Controversy continues surrounding Massoud Pezeshkian, the only reformist candidate running for Iran's presidency, with some arguing he has a good chance of winning the June 28 vote, while others dismiss him as a regime stooge.
His interview on state television on Monday appeared to disillusion many who had expected him to openly criticize the regime and its policies, or take a defiant stance against unpopular policies.
The interview focused on the economy and general issues, and neither the interviewer nor Pezeshkian touched on sensitive issues such as foreign policy, nuclear issues, or the hijab during the interview.
The candidate stressed that his administration would not introduce any new economic strategies or policies, saying it would instead work to efficiently implement existing development plans by reforming the administrative system and ensuring transparency and accountability.
“He spoke for 45 minutes about the economy but didn't say anything about sanctions. He didn't even use the word sanctions. All he said about the economy was that he would continue the course and plan of the Raisi government. If that's the case, then those closer to the Raisi government (other candidates) can do it better.” economic commentator Arash Sepehri tweeted:
Shahir Shahidares, a UK-based Iranian political analyst Tweet Pezechkian said he had no plan and was simply implementing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's slogans, adding that he could not light a “light of hope in the hearts” of the Iranian people. [candidates] “People like Jalili and Ghalibaf would say such things,” he argued.
Others claim he is “pan-Turkish”, based on his defense that he teaches Turkic, a sister language of Turkish and Azerbaijani, which is spoken by around 20 million people in several provinces. Pezeshkian, who was one of the founders of the Turk faction in parliament in 2016, is also known for advocating federalism.
“Who is the best candidate? Separatists [and] A Pan-Turkish person who supports the revolt of women, life and freedom 🙂 A supporter of hardline politician Said Jalili made this claim in a tweet.
Similar opinions have been expressed by pro-monarchy and nationalist users on X.
“Pan-Turkish Pezeshkian's dangerous view: the country must be governed federally!!” Armin1991 wrote about X:
Users who appear to espouse ultranationalist views In this election, “reformists” resorted to playing the “pan-Turkish, separatist Pezeshkian card,” while hardliners rallied behind Said Jalili, whose ideology focuses on the concept of an Islamic umma (nation).
Pezechkian's rivals, Said Djalili and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have bigger followings on domestic social networks such as Eitaa and Rubika, but Pezechkian appears to be more popular on X.
“In Rubika Ghalibaf is the president, in Ayter Jalili is the president, on Twitter Pezeshkian is the president, but on the streets no one knows the date of the elections,” said businessman Sina Sarmadi. In a tweet.
Supporters of the 69-year-old former member of parliament and health minister praise him for living a down-to-earth life, being honest and straightforward and saying he is not corrupt like Ghalibaf and other rivals.
Pezechkian supported the 2015 nuclear deal. He Opposed the government's plan to force the wearing of the hijab We advocate for freedom of speech and free access to the Internet.
“They say Dr. Pezechkian was not in a strong mood in his interview last night. They're right. [other candidates’] “Lies… and astronomical promises (four million houses). They are not used to honest, actionable and realistic statements,” said Seyyed Morteza Mir. a Pezechkian supporter tweeted.
Pezechkian made no promises and tried not to fool people. the reformist journalist tweeted. Defends Pezeshkian: “He knows from his position in parliament that past development plans were not implemented because of inefficient administration and government that created one plan after another.”
Babak Majidi, a political reporter for the reformist Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA), also praised Pezeshkian for saying he should listen to the experts, not the other way around, tweeting: “This is truly golden.” He wrote:
