Hemmati: Diplomacy, field should jointly work to bolster Iran’s economy
Presidential candidate Nasser Hemmati says “the field and diplomacy” should work hand in hand to strengthen Iran’s economy and bring profits to the people.
According to Press TV, detailing his economic and foreign policy plans on the audio-based Clubhouse social network on Thursday (June 3), Nasser Hemmati said “our national interests lie in economic development and the president is duty-bound to pursue the people’s interests.”
Hemmati said “the field and power constitute our strategy in the region. We could not have made the country move forward without this power.”
“The field and diplomacy should function together,” said Hemmati. “The outcome of joint efforts by the field and diplomacy should be economic development and profit the people.”
‘I was against abrupt jump in fuel prices in 2019’
Elsewhere, the ex-chief of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) criticized President Hassan Rouhani’s decision to impose fuel rationing and abruptly increase gas prices.
“I was opposed to the rise in gas prices and relayed my opposition to the president. It was the worst economic action taken at the worst juncture,” when the country was moving toward economic stability.
The sudden hike in gas prices sparked protests in several Iranian cities, which were largely peaceful initially, but turned violent when riotous elements took advantage of the circumstances to destroy public property and set banks and gas stations ablaze.
Iranian officials said the deadly riots were fueled by certain foreign governments.
‘Any support from the Reformist camp will be welcome’
Hemmati said he considered himself to be a Reformist and had a plan for “major economic reforms,” adding, “I’d be honored if the Reformist forces seek to offer me a helping hand.”
Hemmati along with Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh, another Reformist candidate, does not have the support of Reformist leaders and Iran’s Reform Front — the camp’s main bloc — behind their presidential bids.
Unhappy with the disqualification of a number of Reformist candidates, Iran’s Reform Front said in a statement on May 26 that it had no candidate in the 2021 presidential election, signaling that Mehr-Alizadeh and Hemmati did not represent the camp.
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