Criticism from a Member of Parliament on Political and Social 'Blockage': The State of the Country is 'Unfavorable'

Jalil Rahimi Jahanghabadi, a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, in an interview published by the 'Ruydad 24' website, criticized the economic problems and the political and social atmosphere in Iran, describing the state of the country as 'unfavorable.' This member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission called Iran's economic issues 'exhausting' and emphasized that the nation cannot bear it. He criticized the 'blockage' of the political and social space, stating: 'Many revolutionary forces, reformists, moderates, and individuals who could engage with minorities, border residents, and women are no longer within the framework of power.' This parliament member stressed the necessity of participation from all political groups in elections and governance, saying: 'Rigid, closed, and irrational viewpoints have harmed the country.' Jalil Rahimi Jahanghabadi announced his proposal for a 'national reconciliation' plan and added: 'Before reconciling with the world and de-escalating tensions with any country, we must de-escalate tensions with our own people.' He listed actions such as the release of political and ideological prisoners, comforting the families of those harmed in protests, recognizing peaceful protests, respecting minority rights, strengthening the position of women, reforming laws related to the death penalty, and restoring all political forces to elections as part of the 'national reconciliation' plan. During the nationwide protests in Iran that began in September 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, thousands were arrested, and at least seven protesters were executed. There is little information about the identity and fate of most detainees, but human rights organizations warn that dozens of them face the death penalty. The government's confrontation with women opposing compulsory hijab has also caused unrest and tension in Iranian society. Meanwhile, the economic crisis, rampant inflation, and skyrocketing prices of food and housing have led to dozens of protests by workers, educators, and retirees in recent months. However, officials of the Islamic Republic have limited themselves to repetitive promises and statements, and many economists and sociologists assess the government's actions to solve the country's multiple problems as 'ineffective.' Concerns are rising about the increasing prices of essential goods amid growing murmurs about the elimination of 'supportive currency.' Molavi Abdolhamid: The root of the country's problems is the government's incorrect election conduct. Collective protests by students at Tehran University against the deprivation of the right to education for activists of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. Protests by telecommunications retirees in at least eight provinces of Iran against their living conditions. The final version of the 'Hijab and Chastity Bill'; employees' rights will be reduced if they remove the compulsory hijab.