Iranian presidential candidates review positions in final debate
The six candidates in Iran's presidential election outline their visions and positions on domestic affairs, especially the economy.
The six candidates for Iran's presidential election held their fifth and final debate on Tuesday, with the economy as the main headline, as they focused on domestic affairs and matters pertaining to the Iranian people.
Jalili: To serve the people and develop the country
Candidate Saeed Jalili emphasized that the task today "is to serve the country and the people," adding that the government's task is to "build relationships and not bargain," stressing that "it is the people who determine the fate of Iran."
He called for strengthening the countryside to be an effective component in the country's growth, noting that 26% of the Iranian people "are farmers and rural dwellers, but they do not receive an ample share of the budget."
Jalili also noted that the Iranian people can achieve significant development and advancement for their country, "provided that we look holistically at all the country's potential and that everyone shares in its growth and development."
Bagher Qalibaf: I will continue my president's path and plans
Candidate Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf announced that he has five urgent plans for solving the country's top five crises.
Addressing the Iranian people, he promised to complete the path of martyr Ebrahim Raisi and his projects, saying, "Your choice of who will become president is very influential, and if the election is not successful, the country will experience difficult economic conditions."
Moreover, he added that "If the next president is not able to make the right decision at the right time, he will put Iran in front of two options: Either sell Iran to Trump (former US President Donald Trump) or impose pressure on the country."
Pezeshkian: 'I came to save the people from sanctions'
Candidate Masoud Pezeshkian spoke about the gaps between the government and the people in Iran, calling for solving the country's internal and external issues.
Regarding sanctions on Iran, he said, "I have come today to save the people from the sanctions by mixing diplomacy with force and negotiations with arenas."
On domestic affairs, he added that he came to put the country on the proper track in the sectors of health, industry, and the environment, to remove obstacles to modernization, to reduce migration, and to advocate for farmers and women.
Zakani: To fight economic corruption
Presidential candidate Alireza Zakani announced that his first step would be to "fight economic corruption."
During the debate, he emphasized his rejection of compromise and injustice, stressing his adherence to the interests of the Iranian people and the sacrifices of the martyrs.
Qazizadeh Hashemi: To build the country on a major road
For his part, candidate Amirhossein Qazizadeh Hashemi stressed that the road is not a blocked one and that there are solutions, noting that martyr Ibrahim Raisi proved that with determination, will and programs, issues can be resolved.
He added that martyr Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian "showed the generals of diplomacy that they do not know the language of honorable diplomacy."
Some seek to exploit the Revolution, and "have brought the shadow of war to the country by following the West," he said, stressing that "the danger and epidemic of the Rouhani government (former Iranian president) exists, and the only solution is to build the country on the path of Martyr Raisi."
Pour Mohammadi: To fulfill the interests of the people under the values of the Revolution
For his part, candidate Mostafa Pour Mohammadi called for realizing the people's interests under the Islamic Revolution's values and its leader.
He emphasized that the voice of the people must be respected, stressing that prosperity is the right of the people, who are "not waiting for empty promises."
The electoral silence begins on Thursday morning, June 27, and the elections will be held on Friday, June 28.
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