Iran Parliament Begins Discussions on Proposed Cabinet Ministers

The parliamentary debates began with a speech by President Rouhani. He had two hours and half to introduce his 17 proposed ministerial picks and defend their backgrounds.

Half of President Rouhani’s proposed cabinet has remained unchanged compared to his first term. Nine out of the 17 proposed ministers were at the helm in the first term.

Only the position of minister of Sciences, Research, and Technology is still falling vacant.

Following the presidential speech, 10 lawmakers, five proponents and five opponents, will take the podium to speak for or against the proposed list of ministers and the president’s plans.

Thereafter, voting sessions for each of the picks will kick off.

If any of the proposed ministers fails to win a vote of confidence, Rouhani will have up to three months to name a replacement.

President Rouhani submitted the list of his ministers to the Parliament on August 8, four days after his swearing-in ceremony.

The president took the oath of office on August 5. He had two weeks to submit his new cabinet to the parliament, but drew up the shortlist in only four days.