A lively four-hour debate on economic issues took place at 20:00 local time on Monday, with all six candidates approved by the Guardian Council participating. The candidates engaged in discussions, responding to questions and addressing concerns raised by each other.
With four more debates scheduled in the upcoming days, the final showdown will occur on June 25, just three days before the election. In addition to these debates, the presidential candidates are also given equal opportunities on various TV programs to present their plans for governing the country.
The six candidates include Saeed Jalili, Alireza Zakani, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Massud Pezeshkian, Amir-Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. During the debate, each candidate made compelling statements regarding economic growth:
Highlights:
Qalibaf: Pledged to resolve economic issues, focusing on investment and productivity for an 8% growth.
Pezeshkian: Emphasized the need for collaboration, opening borders, and political unity for economic progress.
Pourmohammadi: Stressed addressing social, domestic, and international issues for economic solutions.
Qazizadeh Hashemi: Advocated for transparent leadership and private-public sector partnership for growth.
Zakani: Proposed economic independence and utilization of opportunities for growth.
Jalili: Highlighted the importance of public participation and national reconciliation for economic development.
With the election drawing near, the candidates’ economic strategies are under scrutiny as they compete for the presidency.