Valiollah Seif, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, described the statements of Hamid Baghaei, a candidate supported by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the upcoming presidential elections, regarding a monthly subsidy of 250,000 tomans as 'deceptive.' On Sunday, April 20, he told ILNA news agency, 'As the Governor of the Central Bank, I can easily say that such a payment is not feasible.' Hamid Baghaei, Ahmadinejad's deputy during his presidency, promised during a speech to his supporters in the last days of the year 1395 (2016) that if he becomes president, he will increase the monthly subsidy 'in three steps' to 250,000 tomans. Baghaei explained that if he reaches the presidency, he will first raise the monthly subsidy to 113,500 tomans, then to 200,000 tomans, and finally to 250,000 tomans. The candidate supported by the former president emphasized that this promise is 'not a slogan' and that 'we will act on it.' However, the Central Bank Governor stated that 'it is easy for this person to claim that I will make the subsidy one million tomans, but it is just talk; even if he could make this payment, the economic consequences would be very negative and would not improve people's welfare.' Seif added, 'To think that if we increase people's salaries tenfold, their lives will improve is incorrect. Certainly, goods and services will also increase tenfold in price, and nothing will benefit the people.' Previously, Ali Rabiei, the Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare in Hassan Rouhani's government, also called Baghaei's promise of a 250,000 toman subsidy a 'lie,' stating that this electoral promise is a type of 'big lie and the biggest lie to the poor.' Baghaei is supported in the upcoming presidential elections by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, Ahmadinejad's chief of staff during his presidency. Some political figures from various factions say that Baghaei will be disqualified by the Guardian Council, but Ahmadinejad has stated he will resist this. Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei has also said that there is 'no reason' for Baghaei's disqualification and warned that 'if Baghaei is disqualified, a dangerous bipolarity will form.'
Seif Describes Baghaei's Claim About Increasing Subsidies as 'Deceptive'
Valiollah Seif, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, criticized Hamid Baghaei's promise to increase monthly subsidies to 250,000 tomans as unrealistic and deceptive. This exchange highlights the contentious political climate ahead of the presidential elections, with Ahmadinejad's supporters rallying behind Baghaei despite potential disqualification. The implications of such promises on Iran's economy and political stability are significant.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Valiollah Seif criticized Hamid Baghaei's claim about increasing monthly subsidies to 250,000 tomans as unrealistic and deceptive. This exchange underscores the contentious political climate leading up to the presidential elections in Iran.
- Baghaei promised to increase subsidies in three steps if elected.
- Seif stated that such payments are not feasible and would have negative economic consequences.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has been facing significant economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, making subsidy promises a critical electoral issue. Ahmadinejad's return to political prominence raises questions about the future direction of Iran's policies.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%