Iran’s Parliament gives president a rare rebuke
LONDON — Iran’s Parliament summoned President Hassan Rouhani to answer questions Tuesday about the country’s economic crisis and then voted to reject his explanation, in a remarkable rebuke of a sitting leader.
Rouhani blamed U.S. sanctions, not government management, for his country’s troubles. But after he answered five questions about economic challenges like high unemployment and the collapsing value of the national currency, the rial, a majority of lawmakers voted that they were “not convinced” by four of his answers.
Elected by wide margins in 2013 and 2017, Rouhani is seen as a moderate in Iranian politics, and he campaigned on easing hostilities between his country and the West, and increasing economic opportunity. In 2015, his government struck a deal with the United States and other powers to give up elements of its nuclear program in return for the lifting of some sanctions.
But this year, President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from that agreement and reimposed sanctions not only on Iran but also on companies doing business with the country.
That has persuaded many European businesses to stay away from the Islamic republic, although their country’s governments still support the deal.
Rouhania’s government runs many of the country’s daily affairs, but the ultimate power rests with the supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the unelected Guardian Council.
It was not clear what impact the rebuke of Rouhani would have. Officials said the matter could be referred to the judiciary, which could, in theory, find grounds for impeachment.
The lawmakers’ vote came two days after Parliament dismissed the finance minister. In the past few weeks, the country’s central banker and its labor minister also have been fired.