The Islamic Consultative Assembly has finally approved Saturday as a day off after much controversy, paving the way for two days off and reducing working hours to 40 hours per week. According to Iranian news agencies, the resolution passed on Wednesday, May 26, with 136 votes in favor, 66 against, and three abstentions. Previously, the 11th Parliament had opposed the closure of Thursday with 132 votes against. According to the mentioned resolution, an amendment will be added to Article 87 of the 'Public Service Management Law', which states that 'all executive agencies, both central and provincial, except for military, police, and security units, and the operational sectors of service units such as hospitals, health centers, welfare centers, banks, and sports facilities, are required to adjust their working hours from Sunday to Thursday.' The resolution must be approved by the Guardian Council to become law. There has been significant controversy in recent days over designating Saturday as the second day off of the week. Proponents argue that having this day off will reduce the severance of economic ties with the world, which could positively impact the country's trade and economy. Mohsen Pirhadi, a representative from Tehran, stated in favor of the Saturday holiday: '36 economic organizations in the Islamic Consultative Assembly requested the closure of Saturday to prevent our disconnection from the world... Taking Saturday off is the least costly and most beneficial action for the economy.' On the same day, a query from Javadi Amoli, a religious authority in Qom, was published stating: 'Taking Saturday off aligns with global markets and economic transactions and is effective in solving some economic problems and controlling inflation. It is not intended to resemble opponents but to engage; therefore, having Saturday off, in addition to Friday, is not objectionable.' Opponents, mainly from religious circles, rejected the Saturday holiday, considering it an alignment with the Jewish faith. Some other opponents argued that this day off would affect 'increasing fertility' and that Thursday is a suitable day for 'visiting the graves of the deceased.'
Parliament Approves Saturday as a Day Off After Much Controversy
The Iranian Parliament has approved Saturday as an additional day off, aiming to improve economic ties and reduce working hours. This decision follows significant debate, with proponents arguing it will benefit the economy, while opponents cite religious concerns. The resolution still requires approval from the Guardian Council to become law.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Parliament approved Saturday as an additional day off, aiming to improve economic ties and reduce working hours. This decision followed significant debate between proponents and opponents regarding its implications.
- The resolution passed with 136 votes in favor and 66 against.
- The resolution must still be approved by the Guardian Council to become law.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has traditionally observed a workweek from Saturday to Thursday, with Friday as a day off. The debate over adding Saturday as a day off reflects broader tensions between economic needs and religious considerations.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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