Ahmad Alireza Beigi, an Iranian regime MP from Tabriz, criticized President Ebrahim Raisi in a conversation with the state-run news agency Khabar Online, citing the rise in the price of dollars and coins in the early days of 2024 as evidence of the government’s economic shortcomings.
The vice president for parliamentary affairs issued a statement, stating: “In the past few days, as currency fluctuations intensified due to the global increase in gold prices and military developments in the region, several members of parliament made unprofessional and hasty comments and analyses about the economic situation and exchange rates, which could exacerbate the currency market crisis.”
In response to this statement, Ahmad Alireza Beigi remarked: “The government should utilize all its capacities and resources to address criticisms like these, demonstrating a successful track record. By the time of the elections, it should have a clean and successful record to present to the people without any shame.”
However, this seems unlikely. In another part of his interview, Beigi highlighted the government’s record and the economic problems it has inflicted upon the people.
Beigi stated: “The current economic conditions are dire. The central bank consistently reports to the government about high prices and the increased consumption of food items. The price of meat ranges from 700 to 800 thousand tomans, and the situation is not favorable. The average time for people to afford a home has reached 70 years, which is unacceptable. Even if they deny it, no one will accept such denial.”
He criticized the government for ignoring these problems and added: “This is a complex issue. When you refuse to acknowledge what’s wrong, it indicates either an unwillingness or an inability to address it, resorting instead to denial. Generally, when the government listens to people’s concerns, it should strive to solve them and find solutions to prevent further criticism.”
It is crucial to remember that these words come from individuals complicit in a regime that has made the lives of the Iranian people unbearable.
This is not a new issue. Since the beginning of this regime’s rule, the well-being of the Iranian people has been disregarded. This indifference was evident from the regime’s founder, whose return from exile brought a sense of death to all aspects of life, from the economy to the environment and human rights, for which the people had fought for many years.
Beigi further commented: “The government’s approach to the economy is flawed. Currently, the government is resisting increasing people’s incomes, citing potential inflation.
“However, the government fails to recognize that people are struggling with high prices, and the increase in salaries does not keep pace with inflation. People’s incomes and expenses are mismatched.
“It appears that the government manages its resources and expenditures according to the budget law in a way that increases the cost of living, leading to a rise in the price of the Nimai currency or preferred currency, thereby boosting its own resources. The government does not prioritize the impact on people’s lives and lacks a realistic economic outlook.”
From the regime’s perspective, the people have no role in the country’s fate, creating a significant gap between the regime and its people, a danger that many officials acknowledge.
Beigi highlights the lack of people’s participation in recent elections, stating: “We observed that people were dissatisfied with both parliamentary and presidential elections. People’s involvement in determining their destiny has diminished because they see no reason to change the existing conditions. This undermines the legitimacy of the political system, increases threats, diminishes hope, and poses significant threats to national security.”
The reality is that a broad segment of the population opposes the regime, which poses a threat to its security.
The people have lost hope because they see no possibility of change with this government. It has become evident to them that only by overthrowing this regime can all their problems be solved, and they can attain comfort and prosperity.
