ZCZC
BCN-23
IRAN-POLITICS-ECONOMY,LEAD
Iran economy minister impeached
TEHRAN, Aug 26, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Iran’s parliament impeached Economy
Minister Masoud Karbasian on Sunday in the latest blow to the embattled
government as it struggles to face down a mounting economic crisis.
Karbasian lost the vote of confidence, which was carried live on state
radio, by 137 votes to 121, with two abstentions.
He is the second minister in President Hassan Rouhani’s cabinet to be
impeached this month, following the removal of Labour Minister Ali Rabiei on
August 8.
Iran has struggled with high rates of inflation and joblessness for years,
despite a slight improvement following the 2015 nuclear deal with world
powers, which lifted international sanctions and saw a flood of foreign
investors.
Critics of Rouhani’s government say it squandered the opportunities
presented by the nuclear deal, which now looks increasingly moribund after
the US pulled out of the agreement in May and began reintroducing sanctions.
“Inefficiency and lack of planning have nothing to do with sanctions,”
said one conservative MP, Abbas Payizadeh, in a speech ahead of the vote.
“Wrong decisions have harmed the people and led to individuals looting
public assets,” he added.
BSS/AFP/HR/1450