Iran’s Majlis debate on Cabinet nominees enters 4th day
Thursday’s parliamentary session started off with a speech by the nominee for the minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad-Reza Ne’matzadeh, who responded to the criticism put forward against him by some MPs in Wednesday’s session and briefly explained his plans for the ministry in case he receives a vote of confidence from Majlis.
Following the speech by Ne’matzadeh, the legislators began debating the qualifications of Cabinet nominee for the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology Jafar Mili-Monfared.
Under the Majlis bylaws, MPs take turns to speak for and against a Cabinet pick before the nominee responds to their concerns and criticism and defends his qualifications and plans.
Meanwhile, shortly after the proceedings began on Thursday, President Rouhani entered the Majlis floor and was welcomed by Speaker Ali Larijani.
The Majlis members have so far reviewed the credentials of 13 Cabinet picks, and begun their debate on the qualifications of the remaining five, namely Ali Jannati nominated to head the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance; Bijan Zanganeh, the Ministry of Oil; Hamid Chitchian, the Ministry of Energy; and Masoud Soltanifar for the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
The legislators will each cast a vote for or against the proposed ministers after wrapping up the debates on their credentials.
If the debates conclude on Thursday, a vote is expected later in the day. However, debate will continue on Saturday if the MPs do not have enough time to review the credentials of all remaining nominees on Thursday.
Rouhani submitted his proposed Cabinet lineup during his swearing-in ceremony in Majlis on August 4.
If any of the nominees fails to receive a vote of confidence, Rouhani will have up to three months to name a replacement.
MFB/NN/HJL