Pezeshkian’s Paradox: Fiery Talks, Boring Interviews

The first TV campaign program of presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian failed to satisfy a group of his supporters. 

A review of his stance shows that, while he can sometimes be successful in delivering fiery speeches, his words in television interviews can be perceived as boring.

The positions held by Pezeshkian on various issues reflect a combination of the reformist stance on foreign policy and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's approach to the economy and justice.

Just as Ahmadinejad aimed to bring oil revenue directly to the people's table in 2005, Pezeshkian has focused on uniting different areas, especially healthcare.

In various interviews, Pezeshkian has admitted, "We did not know how to govern," and emphasized that people's lives have not improved compared to before the revolution.

Ethnic Issues

Ethnic issues are among the most challenging debates for Pezeshkian, and videos of his positions have resurfaced in recent days.

He has repeatedly called for the implementation of Article 15 of the Constitution to prevent separatists and dissidents from exploiting ethnic tensions. 

Article 15 of the Constitution states that the official language of Iran is Persian and documents, correspondence, official texts, and textbooks must be in Persian, the use of local and ethnic languages in the press and mass media and the teaching of their literature in schools alongside Persian is permitted.

Pezeshkian mentioned that he spoke with the Minister of Education about implementing Article 15, and the Minister responded that "the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution must approve this issue."

The representative of Tabriz has often said: "The main language of our country is Persian, but no one can deny my identity. The person who insults my identity is divisive, not someone who is seeking their identity."

One of the controversial issues during Pezeshkian's vice speakership in the 10th parliament was the assault on a reporter from the Iran newspaper by Nader Ghazipour, the representative from Urmia. 

Some considered Pezeshkian's stance biased in favor of Ghazipour.

Supporting the JCPOA and Withdrawing from the JCPOA Rejection Commission

Masoud Pezeshkian was a member of the Nuclear Deal Commission in the Ninth Parliament, but he, along with several other representatives, withdrew from the commission. 

This withdrawal was a protest against the behavior of Alireza Zakani, the head of the commission, and the report prepared by the commission, which aimed to prevent the approval of the JCPOA in Parliament.

He has emphasized in multiple interviews that "Israel and its accomplices are happy to see the JCPOA rejected in Iran."

Responding to protests from the 2015 nuclear deal opponents, Pezeshkian pointed out their previous dismissive attitude towards international resolutions: "Didn't you say five years ago that the resolutions are scraps of paper? So why are you now stuck wondering why they don't repeal all the resolutions? They don't cancel the torn paper. We all saw that the sanctions were not a piece of paper and destroyed our lives."

Domestic FATF

Pezeshkian has consistently supported the approval of bills related to implementing the regulations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 

He has emphasized the importance of FATF, stating that had its mechanisms been in place, thousands of billions of tomans in embezzlement could have been prevented.

He remarked, "FATF has a structure similar to FIFA, and fundamentally, we cannot avoid implementing it. We have two options: either establish a domestic FATF compliant with international standards or accept foreign mechanisms."

2019 Protests

Regarding the protests of November 2019 and the increase in fuel prices, Pezeshkian said: "Petrol should be sold at the free market price, which is 20,000 tomans. However, each Iranian should be allocated a certain quota of petrol. If a citizen uses their quota, they benefit, but if they do not, they can sell their petrol on the open market."

2022 Protests and Hijab

In recent days, statements by Pezeshkian regarding the death of Mahsa Amini have resurfaced. He demanded clarification from the authorities about Amini's death, stating, "Scientifically, someone can't fall like this."

Pezeshkian emphasized that "it should not be the case that anyone who wants to speak is labeled as anti-Islamic Republic."

Simultaneously, he said, "I believe that the people and those who seek justice should distance themselves from these individuals, otherwise right and wrong will be confused, and the system will face challenges. We also give ammunition to foreign adversaries to act against our country."

Pezeshkian also criticized the new hijab law, saying, "I have never been able to, and cannot, force my children and grandchildren to dress according to my wishes, so how can we expect society to dress as we dictate? I don't think it's possible."

The representative of Tabriz stressed, "Reza Shah did everything to remove the hijab from some women, but he could not, now, they cannot do the opposite. It is very difficult to enforce such measures by force."

Lifting the House Arrest of Green Movement Leaders

Pezeshkian has voiced his support for lifting the house arrest of Green Movement leaders, asserting that ending the ban on Mohammad Khatami would also enhance social cohesion

One of Pezeshkian's most controversial speeches was in 2009 causing a brief disruption in the parliament session. 

In his speech, Pezeshkian echoed the words of the First Imam of Shia Muslims, who advised Malek Ashtar, one of his governors: "Do not kill people like a wild animal." He further referenced the Imam's advice: "When you can, don't intervene sharply, don't hit, don't say, 'I am the Amir. I will command whoever raises his voice, I will kill his father.'"

Pezeshkian has repeatedly stated that he is not affiliated with any party or movement, while emphasizing the necessity of reforms. 

He has said: "The principle of reforms is not destructive. It is impossible not to be a reformist. If reformists accept these principles, they will surely progress. In fact, anyone who accepts these principles will progress. These principles are the birth of progress, growth, prosperity, and innovation, and anyone who can innovate can implement reforms."

Healthcare

He has been accused of opposing private sector participation in healthcare during his ministry.

He stated that the structure of the country's healthcare system is problematic and that there is no defined structure for service delivery.

During his vice-speakership of the parliament, Pezeshkian acknowledged his efforts to extend healthcare to all.

He emphasized: "It is unacceptable that representatives, the government, and the judiciary have one type of insurance while the people have another. It is the duty of the ruler to serve all people, including the unemployed and penniless."

He holds a similar position regarding education, stating: "In this country, those with money and connections send their children to better schools. 70 per cent of students in regular schools do not reach university because these schools lack facilities. This is injustice."