An Economist: The Poor Have Become Poorer, and the Bottom Three Deciles Are in Dire Conditions

Morteza Afqeh, an economist, stated in an interview with Didban Iran that new studies show six income deciles in Iran are experiencing poverty, with more than half of the population considered poor. He also mentioned that three of these six deciles are in absolute poverty. Afqeh emphasized that the share of food and housing costs in the Iranian household budget is not similar to that of developing and developed countries, stating that severe inflation in Iran has made it difficult for many people to even cover their basic expenses. He noted that this has led to a severe class collapse, putting pressure on the middle and lower classes. Afqeh also asserted that there is no prospect for reducing inflation in Iran. He stated that the government's wrong policies and foreign sanctions have severely damaged Iran's economic foundations. He indicated that even if sanctions are lifted, high inflation will continue in Iran. He said that the only real solution for improving Iran's economic situation is structural reforms in the economy. The ILNA news agency reported on September 7 that the minimum livelihood basket, including housing costs in Tehran, amounts to over 23 million tomans, and in industrial metropolises like Mashhad, Isfahan, and Tabriz, it ranges between 20 to 22 million tomans. This is while the government of Ebrahim Raisi claims to have reduced inflation and improved economic indicators. The spokesperson for the thirteenth government claimed on Thursday, July 27, that Ebrahim Raisi 'does not sleep at night' due to rising prices.