In the first round of presidential debates in Iran, the six candidates introduced their plans and policies for improving Iran’s economy.
The first round of presidential debates among the six candidates of the 14th presidential election in Iran was held this Monday, with each candidate introducing his plans and policies if get elected as president.
Jalili: “The government should provide a role-playing platform for the economic growth of society”
Referring to The Seventh National Development Plan, Saeed Jalili said that 8% annual economic growth is a necessity and it has been envisioned by the law. “People should choose who can achieve this goal. Various factors are needed for 8% growth, and it is not just about having capital. In fact, economic growth should not solely depend only on capital. More important than capital is capital management and the use of human power and technologies to reach economic growth.”
The candidate for the 14th presidential election also noted that “we must know our opportunities; We have valuable opportunities that we need to identify. Economic growth can be achieved and Iran can progress. Before the revolution, a group from Harvard University examined the preparation of the development plan in Iran and it was announced back then that economic growth can only be achieved with capital in hand. But here I say the most important thing is to involve the members of the society to economically progress.”
“For the country to jump, the government must play a crucial role and provide a platform for economic growth for all members of the society,” Jalili also said.
Zakani: Iran’s economic problem is not because of US sanctions, but US economic regulations we have adapted”
Alireza Zakani outlined his economic plans by first referring to US economic sanctions against Iran and said: “Iran’s economic problem does not emanate from the US sanctions. Rather, it is because we have adopted US economic regulations. In order to transform the economy, I believe we must first emphasize economic independence based on de-dollarization of our economy, and rely on increasing the strength of our national currency. Secondly, we must move towards product-oriented and knowledge-based production with high added value.”
Regarding people’s participation in the economy, Zakani said that a possibility should be provided based on Iran’s Constitution, and by relying on technology, processes can be shortened and people can participate in the economy, which can lead to fair distribution of wealth among all members of society.”
Pourmohammadi: “We must interact with the world and solve peoples’ problems”
Mustafa Pourmohammadi was the last candidate who shared his economic vision in the first round of the presidential debates. He stated that we the politicians all know the economic problems but it is the people of Iran who suffer every day.
To resolve economic problems of Iran, Pourmohammadi suggested that: “we must interact with the world and solve people’s problems. People, the private sector, and experts have serious concerns and complain that economic problems will never be resolved. But I say it is not possible to provide an economic solution without paying attention to various political, legal, domestic and international dimensions.”
Pourmohammadi further noted that: “Iran has been facing economic sanctions for nearly two decades. Some first said that embargo is not an important issue and they still believe so. But after some time passed, we realized how crippling the sanctions can be for our economy. Our economy, society, and industry are huge and we have to work with the world to have a prosperous economy.”
