Parliament Reports on 'Intensification of Poverty', Minister of Labor Discusses 'Severe Development' of Coupons

The Research Center of the Parliament reported on the intensification of poverty in the country over the past decade, stating that 'poverty' no longer applies only to 'low-income households.' According to this center, the middle class has become so weakened that with 'an economic shock' such as a sharp increase in rent or medical expenses, they fall below the poverty line. The report emphasizes that in recent years, the population below the poverty line has increased, with 'one-third of the population living below the poverty line,' while households above the poverty line do not significantly differ in terms of welfare and income from those below it, indicating that the middle class is not far from becoming impoverished. The Research Center identified factors accelerating poverty, such as 'declining per capita income and high inflation,' noting that these factors have led to an increased share of food and housing expenses, leaving less income for leisure or education. This issue has manifested in recent years as child malnutrition and a reduction in human and social capital. Farshad Momeni, a university professor and economist, reacted to the development of poverty in the country by asking, 'What have we done that the population of the poor has doubled in three years?' He stated, 'In matters of justice, we are faced with the precedence of political issues; power distribution must be fair. If the political structure leans towards favoritism, oppression, and inequality, and personal profit motives arise, downfall is inevitable.' On the other hand, some analysts, citing new inflation statistics, argue that more than half of the population is living in poverty, as they believe the Research Center's report is outdated and does not reflect the significant economic changes families have faced in the past year, with the latest point-to-point inflation report for the month of Farvardin (April) highlighting these changes. Iranian media have clearly reported the rise of inflation at its highest level, stating that inflation in Farvardin is at a monthly rate of 5% and a point-to-point rate of 68%. However, the government has not taken effective actions in response to the created conditions. In the latest reaction to inflation and the decline in people's welfare, Solat Mortazavi, Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, stated that they are seeking 'severe development of electronic coupons' to help control inflation and implement incentives. The development of coupons is a measure that President Ebrahim Raisi's government has been working on since Farvardin 1401 (April 2022) after eliminating the 4200 Toman currency, and after a year, it has still not been able to implement it. Special program: The whip blows of the inflation giant on the face of life in Iran. 'Poverty corrupts, we will go to downfall'; a slogan in Golshahr, Karaj – 29 Ordibehesht. The likelihood of intensifying protests with the failure to control inflation promises; workers are seeking wage increases. When the 'Law on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' gathers dust; 655,000 Tomans for 'living.' A parliament member spoke of the 'possibility of manipulation' of inflation statistics by the Central Bank and called for the intervention of 'independent institutions.' Half of Iranians are in 'housing poverty'; official reports: low-income groups cut off from suitable housing. Shocking statistics presented at a 'commemoration' ceremony; billions of dollars of intergenerational capital wasted.