Iran's Parliament wraps up first day of cabinet approval debate

Despite President Masoud Pezeshkian’s defense of his proposed ministers during the first parliamentary confirmation hearing, several lawmakers criticized him for a lack of planning and the "incongruous mix" within the cabinet.

To shield themselves against criticism, Pezeshkian and his ministers emphasized the implementation of the general policies of the Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Over the next four days, lawmakers will debate the nominees in alphabetical order by ministry, culminating in a vote of confidence for the entire cabinet on Wednesday.

For each nominee, the relevant parliamentary committee(s) will present their reports, followed by lawmakers speaking for or against the proposed minister after the nominee delivers their address.

Alireza Kazemi, nominated to lead the Ministry of education, was the first nominee to be reviewed. He is one of Pezeshkian’s most controversial nominees for whom reformists have widely criticized him.

In his speech to lawmakers, he enumerated the problems the educational system is facing including lack of money and human resources. He stressed that under his leadership, the ministry would address the “religious identity crisis” and that the “collaboration of home, school, and mosques can create a happier atmosphere for students.

“With Jihadi efforts”, he said, his ministry will educate students to be patriotic and obedient to the Supreme Leader.

Kazemi is an advocate of compulsory hijab and its enforcement in schools.

The Parliament heard from the Education, Research, and Technology Committee's spokesman that the majority of its members had approved Kazemi’s nomination.

Kazemi, who served as acting education minister in President Ebrahim Raisi’s cabinet for several months, met no opposition from the lawmakers none of whom had signed up to speak against him.

Kazemi’s brother, Mohammad Kazemi, heads the Intelligence Organization of the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).

The second minister to be debated was Sattar Hashemi, the youngest member of the proposed cabinet, nominated to lead the Ministry of Communications and Technology.

The Parliament’s Cultural Committee, dominated by ultra-hardliners from the Paydari (Steadfastness) Party, rejected Hashemi’s nomination in their report to lawmakers, offering little criticism of his plans but presumably opposing him due to his character and political/ideological views.

In contrast, the Industries and Mines Committee unanimously endorsed Hashemi's plans and qualifications in their report.

Several lawmakers who spoke for and against Hashemi brought up the problem of internet anti-filtering software which most Iranians, including online and other businesses, are forced to use to access thousands of blocked websites including social media platforms such as Instagram.

In his speech, Vali Dadashi, an independent who had signed up to speak against Hashemi’s lack of relevant plans to expand access to fast internet, demanded action from the future minister against the so-called “mafia” that controls the hugely profitable anti-filtering software trade.

Many believe those who benefit from the trade have used their influence to impose restrictions on Internet access and will oppose Pezeshkian and his government if they try to lift Internet bans.

The need for anti-filtering software, Dadashi said, doubles the cost of access to the Internet. “Why do people have to pay for anti-filtering software?” he asked.

“Hashemi’s first step should be increasing the speed of the internet and his second to convince the members of the Supreme Cyberspace Council to lift filtering,” Ahmad Fatemi, a lawmaker who supported Hashemi’s nomination, told the Parliament.

The Council formed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s order in 2012 consists of the president who heads it, the speaker of the Parliament and chief justice, the head of the state broadcaster, and several ministers including the ministers of intelligence and defense. The commanders of the Revolutionary Guards and Police also sit on the Council.

Pezeshkian criticized filtering policies in his campaign speeches and debates. His supporters expect him to oppose these policies as the head of the Council in which hardliners and ultra-hardliners have a near absolute majority now.