Rafsanjani: Billion-Dollar Embezzlements Result from Incorrect Selections of the Previous Government

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, head of the Expediency Discernment Council, criticized the performance of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government, stating that the "billion-dollar embezzlements" in the country are a result of the "incorrect" selection of individuals in the previous administration. Mr. Rafsanjani made these remarks on Sunday, November 15, during a meeting with political activists from Markazi Province, in response to concerns about the presence of some individuals associated with the previous government in various offices and organizations, and their "obstruction" of processes. He stated, "Unfortunately, one of the actions of the former government was to marginalize genuine revolutionary forces throughout the country, including prominent university professors, and we hope the government will take action regarding this and replace them with dedicated individuals." Mr. Rafsanjani described the "personal and factional abuses" of public funds during the previous government as the cause of "administrative corruption" and "billion-dollar embezzlements," calling for reforms in the country's management free from "personal and vengeful" motives and based on the interests of the system and national interests. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and some of his close associates have been accused by opponents and some officials of Hassan Rouhani's government of squandering oil revenues and widespread economic corruption. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has particularly criticized the performance of Ahmadinejad's governments over the past two years, stating that even the clergy were complicit in introducing and supporting him. In another part of his speech, Mr. Rafsanjani referred to the "economic recession" in the country, saying, "Unfortunately, some individuals are obstructing economic activities due to irrational and unfounded fears regarding cultural issues." The head of the Expediency Discernment Council of Iran also emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections in December, adding that "just as the people entered the elections of 2013 and saved the country from executive deviation, their presence in the December elections will secure the system for the coming years." Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani stated in an interview with the 'Arman' newspaper in August of this year: "The parliamentary elections will reveal the majority's inclination towards a certain ideology, just as they showed in the presidential elections that they desire moderation and centrism, rejecting extremism." The Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Assembly of Experts elections are set to be held simultaneously on March 7 of this year.