Criticism from a Newspaper Close to Ali Khamenei on the Government; How Long Should the People's Table Shrink?

As inflation intensifies in Iran and the pressure of rising prices affects household livelihoods, a newspaper close to Ali Khamenei has sharply criticized the government, asking, "When will the Raisi administration think about solving the economic problems of the people?" The newspaper, Ettela'at, pointed to rampant inflation and emphasized how long poverty will continue to spread and the people's table will shrink while the government remains silent or criticizes its opponents with empty promises. The writer of Ettela'at stated, "What language should the people use to say, 'We have nothing to buy, eat, wear, or live with'?" According to the writer, the government not only fails to take effective action against inflation but also increases pressure on the people through costs imposed on producers. On July 21, the newspaper Javan, affiliated with the IRGC, reported: "The rise in food prices, from fruits and vegetables to dairy, chicken, and meat, is unprecedented even during times of increased production." The newspaper continued, "It seems that as much as there have been successes in relations with neighboring countries and even African and Latin American countries, and steps have been taken in economic diplomacy and energy, the performance in the livelihood sector, especially regarding essential goods such as chicken, meat, fruits, vegetables, milk, and dairy products, has been severely weak."