President upbeat about resolving shortages via Parliament’s collaboration
President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at a joint session of Iran’s Parliament and government held Sunday in marking the Parliament Day, expressed hope for resolving national issues, particularly energy sector shortages, through cooperation between the government and Parliament.
“I hope we can join hands to solve these shortages and problems. Addressing these challenges is only possible with your help and the support of the people,” Pezeshkian said, reported president.ir.
He highlighted a three-hour closed session between the government and Parliament to discuss national issues, noting, “We will work to overcome the challenges we face through solidarity, cooperation, and consultation.”
The president also provided details from the meeting, stating, “I presented a report on the first 120 days of the 14th administration’s activities to the Parliament’s speaker and members. We have endeavored to form a cabinet that reflects unity and have sought to utilize diverse perspectives.”
He addressed the government’s urgent measures at the start of his term, noting, “We were initially confronted with issues such as nurses’ demands, debts to wheat farmers, retirees’ concerns, and other matters, which we tried to resolve as much as possible.”
Pezeshkian went on to say that despite these challenges, we prepared the draft of budget bill on time and submitted it to Parliament. I thank the MPs for approving the general outlines of the budget. We will work to address its shortcomings through legislative approvals and implement the budget effectively.”
During the session, Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf said that people and investors experience the benefits of reduced inflation and economic stability, particularly in investment security. “We need synergy, and the ultimate beneficiaries of this cooperation must be the people,” Qalibaf stated.
The Parliament speaker added that the joint session with the government focused on economic issues, particularly improving living standards.
He also pointed out two key aspects of the energy sector, saying, “First, we are consuming too much energy and must address this. Second, we are wasting energy, which must be stopped through collaboration between the government, Parliament, and the people.”
Following the joint session on Sunday, the public meeting of the Parliament started with the agenda of reviewing the budget bill for the next Iranian year (to start March 21, 2025).