Raeisi:

Next Iranian president must lead fight against corruption

Rasa - An Iranian presidential candidate has criticized the existence of corruption in the country, stressing that the next president as the head of the administration must be at the forefront of the campaign against the scourge.

News ID: 429212

Date: 25 April 2017 - 23:29

RNA - “The [Iranian] people are concerned about the reports published about administrative corruption. How long should the people witness corruption in the country? Isn't it impossible to eliminate administrative corruption in the country?” Ebrahim Raeisi said in a stump speech in the city of Birjand, South Khorasan Province, on Tuesday.

He expressed grief over the lack of initiatives to fight corruption in the country, saying the presence of the scourge is not becoming of the Islamic administration in Iran.

The presidential contender added that if elected president, he would inform the nation and Parliament of the breeding grounds for corruption within the first six months of his term and present any solutions to eliminate it, “so that the people will not witness cases of corruption in the country anymore.”

He also noted that with the country's present income, extreme poverty can be eliminated and cash subsidies could be doubled or tripled for the low-income deciles.

Iran will simultaneously hold the 12th presidential election and the 5th City and Village Councils Elections on May 19. Some 55 million Iranians are eligible to vote for a new president in what is expected to be a close race.

847/940