Gov’t bent on resolving economic crises, livelihood woes: Spox
Iranian government spokeswoman said on Tuesday that President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government was “adamantly pursuing” the resolution of the country’s economic crises and the public’s livelihood hardships following more than two weeks of unrest over national currency devaluation.
Fatemeh Mohajerani told reporters in a weekly press briefing that the government had entered into negotiation with protesters in various provinces to alleviate their concerns and grievances.
“What is specifically pursued is the resolution of economic problems and the issues that affected national production,” Mohajerani said, adding, “When a public demand is not taken seriously, some stimuli lead to provocation and instigation.”
The spokeswoman also announced that a staggering $4.5b package would be introduced to support industrialists, artisans and businesspeople in the form of bonds, vouchers and internal LCs (letters of credit).
Pointing to the government’s economic plan for augmenting the public’s purchasing power, Mohajerani said meeting the people’s sustenance needs, bolstering domestic output and prevention of racketeering and corruption were of paramount objectives to implement the new economic blueprint.
“Regular meetings are convened with the CBI governor, economy minister, agriculture minister and attorney general in attendance. Shortages in the market are pinpointed and efforts are underway to provide for the people’s needs wherever problems arise,” she said.
Mohajerani said the president also instructed that a special working group of socialists be set up to determine the root causes of the protests.
“The government has heard and continue to hear the voices of the people, even those strongly critical of it, while efforts should be made to raise hope in society, especially the youth.”
The depreciation of the national currency and runaway inflation has unnerved Iranian markets and weighed heavily on households and businesses.
Various cities have been the scene of protests since December 28, with some rioters seizing on the chaotic situation to burn down public property, in what was prompted by US and Israeli provocations.