In a scathing note, the Sharq newspaper has accused the Iranian government of disseminating ‘unreal’ statistics and information regarding both domestic and foreign economic conditions. The newspaper contends that the government’s objective is to persuade both themselves and the public, especially those in the lower deciles of society, that the situation of the Iranian people is either not worse or perhaps even better than many countries, including those in the region.
According to Sharq’s claim, this strategy has gained traction among some lower-level managers who, by citing examples from various countries, many of which are far from reality, seek to convey a message of gratitude to the people.
The newspaper criticizes certain elements within the regime, highlighting an individual who, despite accumulating legendary capital and assets worth several thousand billion, attempts to mimic poverty. It recounts an incident where this individual claimed that a member of the Chinese Communist Party told him that every Chinese citizen earns a mere one dollar per day.
Sharq newspaper references Mohammad Reza Bahonar, Secretary General of the Front of Followers of the Line of the Imam and the Leader, and a member of the Expediency Discernment Assembly. Bahonar claimed in an interview on January 22 that a Chinese official stated they have no poor people in their country, asserting that every Chinese citizen lives on one dollar a day, equivalent to 60 dollars a month.
In further debunking the claim of cheap gasoline in Iran, Sharq notes the government officials who advocate for an increase in gasoline prices. The newspaper emphasizes that due to the economic policies of the 13th government, the price of gasoline is set at 1,500 tomans at the state quota rate and 3,000 tomans at the free rate, asserting that such measures are necessary to limit consumption in line with national interests.
Sharq underscores that China’s per capita income in 2021 has surged to 940 dollars, marking a 112% increase since 2012. China’s economic growth has been reported to exceed 8% this year, translating to an average daily income of 13 dollars for every Chinese citizen.
In refuting the notion of free gasoline in Iran, Sharq criticizes what it terms a ‘false analogy.’ It points out that while people are accused of wastefulness due to the perceived lack of cost associated with gasoline, they fail to acknowledge the significantly higher per capita incomes in countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, compared to Iran.
The author concludes by asserting that this method of false analogy, unless attributed to demagoguery, stems from either ignorance or is tainted by political motives.
