Medicalian's Evasion: Shifting Responsibility Regarding Women and Confirming Gasoline Price Increase

On the evening of Monday, December 3, the President of the fourteenth government of the Islamic Republic appeared before the cameras and two presenters of the state television, implicitly confirming the increase in gasoline prices while shirking his responsibilities. Masoud Pezeshkian, in this interview, acknowledged the existence of people's livelihood problems and admitted the government's inability to solve these issues, stating: "We are trying to meet the demands of retirees and nurses, but the reality is that these are just painkillers; we have not solved the problems because we have no money." He also referred to the country's energy issues and shortages, adding: "Solving the imbalances is not simple. There needs to be consensus among specialists and experts to implement it. It was supposed that $15 billion would be allocated for inputs and essential goods. However, the total amount allocated is $12 billion, and with this trend, we will face a budget deficit." The President of the fourteenth government also mentioned the gasoline problems in the country and, by implicitly announcing an increase in the price of this strategic product, said: "Our needs do not match our production capacity. When currency is not allocated for gasoline imports, it must be compensated from somewhere. The reality is that we are facing very severe imbalances, and all these imbalances are at a level that could turn into a crisis." In a vague statement, he also spoke about the ambiguity surrounding the hijab law, emphasizing: "This law faces serious questions and ambiguities. Implementing this law is not that simple, and we must proceed through dialogue and interaction to maintain community consensus and solidarity." Pezeshkian's interview with state television came on the hundredth day of his tenure in the Islamic Republic government, replacing Ebrahim Raisi, to respond to his and his government's performance over these hundred days.