Despite growing concerns over the nation’s economic state, Raisi asserted a positive economic trajectory, citing an array of promising statistics. However, subsequent analyses and contrasting data suggest a different reality.
Raisi proclaimed that the country’s production inflation rate has reduced dramatically from 103% to 30%. He also highlighted a decrease in machinery production inflation to 19% and noted a 6% growth in overall production. Addressing unemployment concerns, Raisi claimed it now stands at 8.2%, with significant improvements cited in 23 provinces.
However, the president faced criticism as he couldn’t highlight any product prices that have remained stable or reduced. Contradicting Raisi’s positive outlook, a state-run media report by Etamed online revealed price surges in basic commodities such as meat (318%), cooking oil (328%), and sugar (253%).
Further skepticism arose from Saeed Leilaz, a regime-affiliated economist. In a June 13 interview with Hammihan newspaper, Leilaz warned about the exponential increase in currency liquidity during Raisi’s tenure. Alarmingly, he attributed two-thirds of this to banking imbalances and corruption, calling it a “full-scale robbery” of the Iranian people.
In an indirect acknowledgment of economic issues, Ahmad Alamalhoda, Raisi’s father-in-law and the Friday prayer leader in Mashhad, confessed that the Iranian public’s livelihood remains unstable.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Ali Nekonam, another Friday prayer leader, hinted at the need for a more realistic economic narrative, suggesting the presented figures were overly optimistic for public consumption.
Further, Raisi’s claims about addressing the water and electricity crisis are questioned by the numbers he provided. He claimed to have compensated for 7,000 megawatts of a 22,000-megawatt electricity imbalance. Similarly, he boasted about resolving water issues for 3,500 out of 10,000 affected villages. These figures reveal unresolved shortages and thousands still grappling with dehydration and power outages.
When confronted about the societal unrest and governmental inefficacy in handling crises, Raisi deflected, attributing concerns to external influences and asserting societal coherence.
Regarding the university’s scientific environment, Raisi vaguely mentioned maintaining peace as pivotal for advancing knowledge. His penchant for deflective rhetoric was evident when questioned about his role in the 1988 massacre; he aligned his actions with human rights defense.
Despite Raisi’s attempts to project confidence, the glaring contrasts between his claims and ground realities speak volumes. This perceived distortion of the truth can be seen as a manifestation of the regime’s unease amidst rising internal challenges.
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