Politics
20:23, 08-Aug-2017
Iran's Rouhani proposes new cabinet picks for his second term
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Iran's President Hassan Rouhani proposed a new cabinet line-up on Tuesday for his second term, with almost no major changes, said Iran's state TV.
Over the past two months, Rouhani has been under pressure by both camps to contain their proposed candidates in his cabinet. Moderate politicians asked for an efficient cabinet, while radicals sought to claim a greater share of seats.
Meanwhile, as Rouhani had promised to ensure women's equal employment opportunities, his female supporters also expected the president to make good on his promises and appoint female ministers. However, Rouhani's new cabinet pick came out again an all-male team.
A list of 17 nominees shows that Rouhani has mostly stuck to his previous choices.
Hassan Rouhani was re-elected as Iran's president on May 19, 2017. /AFP Photo
Hassan Rouhani was re-elected as Iran's president on May 19, 2017. /AFP Photo
Notable changes did include replacing the acting defense minister to General Amir Hatami. Masoud Karbasian has also been chosen to become the new economy minister, replacing his former boss Ali Tayebnia.
Elsewhere, key existing appointees, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, remained on their positions
Analysts said this indicated that Rouhani would continually push for greater foreign investment and a technocratic approach to promote the economy.
Iran has 18 ministries, with the nominee for heading the Ministry of Science yet to be announced.
Rouhani won a landslide election victory over Ebrahim Raisi in May and was sworn in on Saturday. The 68-year-old president must coordinate among political factions to push through all 18 cabinet candidates over the coming week.
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