Click the headline for a summary of the first candidates’ debate of the campaign.
Summary of the First Election Debate
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Rezaei Unveils Housing Plan
Citing his experience from the Revolutionary Guards, Mohsen Rezaei outlined his plans for solving Iran’s housing crisis. Rezaei said that he will encourage banks to offer loans on a 10% deposit, and interest payments of up to 18% will be covered by the government as a subsidy, with the mortgage holder only required to pay the price of the house. Rezaei added that with this plan, he can build 2 million houses per year and attract foreign investment to drive the economy forward.
Rezaei’s Radio Program Not Aired
Mohsen Rezaei became the latest candidate to have a program not aired at the allocated time. Rezaei said that the radio requested he remove a section where members of the public express reluctance to vote. Rezaei vowed to publish it uncensored on social media adding that “we had a Revolution to hear the voice of the people”.
Rezaei: My Subsidy Plan is not Populist
Mohsen Rezaei disputed claims that his 450,000 toman ($100 USD) monthly subsidy plan was populist, saying that it will be funded within three months of his inauguration through the elimination of shell companies and tax evasion.
Rezaei attacks Hemmati and Raisi
Mohsen Rezaei took aim at Abdol-Naser Hemmati’s record as Governor of the Central Bank in an interview today. Rezaei, who is putting himself forward as an expert on economy, saying that Hemmati has abandoned control over liquidity during his term as Governor, and allowed inflation to get out of control. Rezaei also made a reference to the protection of Ebrahim Raisi, mentioning comments by the Tehran Prosecutor that criticism of the judiciary by the candidates constitutes a red line. Reformist candidate Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh also criticised the red line issue, saying that Raisi should have resigned as Chief Justice by now and implying he was using his position to deflect criticism.
Read and watch Rezaei’s interview at Tasnim
Read Mehr-Alizadeh’s Tweet on Twitter
Rezaei: I Will Make the Rial the Strongest Currency in the Region.
Mohsen Rezaei outlined his plan to improve the Iranian economy in his slated air time on Iranian television. Rezaei said he will make the Rial the strongest currency in the region after the US Dollar and the Euro, and added that he had been in consultations with experts on the best way to devalue the currency and then move forward.
Warning not to Lie about Subsidy Promises
Ali Rabii, the official spokesperson for the Government of Iran, criticised promises of subsidies made by a number of candidates. Rabii described many of the promises as “imaginary” and warned them about lying to voters, saying any promises should be backed up with an economic plan. Ghazizadeh, Rezaei and Zakani have all made promises of subsidies in recent days.
Rezaei Promises Monthly Subsidy of $100 US to Low Income Earners
Mohsen Rezaei promised that if elected, he will provide a monthly subsidy of $100 US to approximately 40 million Iranians classified as on a low income (roughly half of the population). Rezaei said that reforms to taxation, eliminating tax evasion, increased petroleum production and livestock exports will pay for the subsidy.
The Interior Ministry Announces Candidates
The official list of candidates approved by the Guardian Council was announced this afternoon at the Election Headquarters by the Ministry of Interior. The list, which was one of Iran’s worst kept secrets, includes seven names: Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, Abdol-Naser Hemmati, Saeed Jalili, Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh, Ebrahim Raisi, Mohsen Rezaei and Ali-Reza Zakani. Notable disqualifications include Ali Larijani and Eshaq Jahangiri, most of whom accepted disqualification, with the expected exception of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The only Reformist among their number is Mehr-Alizadeh.
Final Candidates Sent to Ministry of Interior, Fars Leaks Candidates
The final list of vetted candidates has been sent by the Guardian Council to the Ministry of Interior, who will announce the list on the afternoon of Tuesday May 25. FarsNews published a list of seven candidates, supposedly leaked by a journalist who was shown the list: Ebrahim Raisi, Mohsen Rezaei, Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh, Saeed Jalili, Ali-Reza Zakani, Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, Abdul-Naser Hemmati.