Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) – Tensions are rising in Iran between Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Parliament over his choices for the new cabinet. This morning - in front of 196 deputies of the 290 seat Majlis (the legislative body of the Islamic Republic of) – the debate began on the president’s candidates for top ministerial posts. This is Ahmadinejad’s second term after contested victory at the polls on 12 June.
Ahmadinejad, who defends his choices, has to face down the criticism of both conservatives reformists. The 16 of the 21 proposed ministers are being particularly targeted. They are accused of "lacking experience" and "jurisdiction" for the assigned departments. The Assembly is scheduled to on the appointments next September 2, after three days of consultations. It represents an important test to verify the hold on power of the President and the Islamic Republic, currently experiencing its greatest period of political tension since the revolution of the ayatollahs of 1979.
Meanwhile, several members of the Majlis have expressed opposition to the new executive. Sadollah Nasir, a reformist, says that most "lack experience and expertise”. Reformist Mostafa Kavakebian is also critical, who points out that accepting this inexperience of the candidates constitutes "a betrayal of God, the Prophet and all Muslims." Also the negative the opinion of Reza Bahonar, a leading conservative, who notes a "contradiction" between the "cultural baggage" of candidates and "the assigned Ministry”.