The payment of 91 trillion and 500 billion tomans in loans to employees of the country's banking network has sparked public protests on social media, with media outlets deeming this action 'unfair and discriminatory.' The Minister of Economy, in defense of the banks, stated that 'bank employees go to work at 6 AM and work hard,' and that despite a 40% inflation rate in previous years, their salaries have only increased by 20%. Citizens have responded to Hemmati, saying that millions of employees and workers in other sectors also start work at 6 AM and work until noon or evening, with their salaries also increasing by the same 20% annually. The newspaper Etemad, in its September 1 issue, cited Central Bank statistics indicating that last year the total amount of loans granted to employees of 29 banks and credit institutions reached 91 trillion and 598 billion tomans. According to this report, the highest amount of loans granted among banks last year was at Bank Mellat, followed by Bank Sepah, Bank Melli, and Bank Saderat. The report also noted that an examination of the financial statements of 11 active banks in the capital market shows that in the year 1402, the amount of loans and facilities granted to bank employees has increased by up to 300%. The author of the Etemad newspaper emphasized why such a large volume of loans, which could have been allocated to the production sector to help lift production units out of recession, was given to bank employees. This loan payment occurs while banks are obstructing their commitments regarding loans for production, marriage, and housing. In this regard, the Tabnak website reported in May of this year that despite the Central Bank's emphasis and order to facilitate marriage loans, 'the banks in their branches do not pay attention to the laws, and this difficult process led to a long queue of applicants for marriage loans last year.' The ISNA news agency also reported in July of this year that several members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly criticized the process of granting small loans for employment, housing, and childbearing by banks in the open session of the parliament and called for reform of this process. The Quds newspaper also reported in its September 1 issue that the government increased the ceiling of loans from 550 to 800 million tomans about two months ago, and this resolution was communicated to the Central Bank, but nothing has happened in this regard yet.
The Minister of Economy Defends Banks' 91 Trillion Tomans Loans to Employees
The Iranian Minister of Economy defended the allocation of 91 trillion tomans in loans to bank employees amidst public outcry over perceived inequality, arguing that they deserve the loans due to their hard work. Critics highlight that many other workers face similar conditions but do not receive comparable support, raising concerns about fairness and the prioritization of bank employees over other sectors.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Minister of Economy defended the allocation of 91 trillion tomans in loans to bank employees, amidst public criticism over perceived unfairness. Critics argue that these loans could have been used to support other sectors, such as production, which are also in need.
- 91 trillion tomans in loans were given to bank employees.
- Public protests and media criticism highlight perceived inequality in loan distribution.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran faces significant economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment, which exacerbate public dissatisfaction with perceived inequalities in resource distribution.
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