Iran: MPs proceed with vetting process to select ministers

The new round of parliamentary sessions for vetting of President Hassan Rouhani’s proposed ministers began for the fourth day on Saturday morning before a final ballot for the vote of confidence for the 17 picks.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Parliament has launched sessions since Tuesday to discuss the credentials and backgrounds of the proposed ministers for the vote of confidence.

In an address to the lawmakers on Tuesday morning, President Rouhani outlined his plans for the second term, and gave a brief introduction of each of the 17 proposed ministers and defended their backgrounds.

Half of the proposed cabinet has remained unchanged compared to the first term. Nine out of the 17 proposed ministers were at the helm in the first term. Only the position of minister of Sciences, Research, and Technology is still falling vacant.

The Saturday’s session started with debates on the credentials of Abbas Akhoundi, the nominee for the post of minister of Road and Urban Development, who had the same job over the past four years.

If any of the proposed ministers fails to win a vote of confidence, Rouhani will have up to three months to name a replacement.

SS