Iran presidential debate on economy dissolves into chaos

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Reuters:

(Reuters) - Iran's first debate between candidates for the presidency degenerated into acrimony live on state television on Friday when, instead of discussing the economy, some of the hopefuls resorted to sniping over the questions and format.

The testy exchange between the moderator and reformist Mohammad Reza Aref, moderate Hassan Rohani, and conservative Mohsen Rezaie was the subject of wide ridicule by Iranian viewers who had tuned in for the four-hour discussion.

They were among eight candidates for the June 14 vote presenting their ideas on an economy buffeted by international sanctions over Iran's disputed nuclear program, rising unemployment, and inflation running at over 30 percent, according to official figures.

The series of three debates are central to trying to build public interest in the presidential vote, the first since 2009, which unleashed months of protests by those who said Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's win was fraudulent, demonstrations that were eventually crushed by security forces.

The economy is likely to weigh heavily on Iranians' minds when they head to the polls. Although most major state policies, such as the nuclear issue, are ultimately decided by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian presidents traditionally have greater sway in enacting their economic agendas.

The debate's first half allowed the eight to give a three minute answer, with a 90 second response from the other seven. Then moderator Morteza Heydari asked them an economic question that could only be answered yes, no or with an abstention.

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Iranian "democracy" in action.

[Valin]

@WestVirginiaRebel

 

 

Shameless Plug.

Mojtaba Vahedi: Iran's Revolution From the Inside Out