Iranian Daily Criticizes Parliament for Factional Infighting and Neglecting Economic Crises

Iran's Ettela'at daily has issued a sharp critique of the Iranian Parliament, accusing lawmakers of prioritizing internal disputes, controversial legislation, and political infighting over urgent national issues. According to the commentary, the legislature has largely failed to address severe economic pressures, including skyrocketing inflation and currency devaluation, while becoming absorbed in internal political feuds that alienate the public.

The editorial underscored several instances of institutional friction, including the imprisonment of Tehran MP Hamid Rasaei over past defamatory remarks against Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Ettela'at criticized hardline factions, notably the Paydari Front, for deploying harsh rhetoric against the Speaker and government officials during a critical national period, questioning why political feuds and viral attacks take precedence over pressing bread-and-butter public concerns.

The analysis also targeted controversial legislative moves, including a contentious draft bill aimed at countering foreign influence. Media professionals and academic leaders, such as the head of the Academy of Sciences Mohammad-Reza Mokhber Dezfouli, have expressed alarm that such measures could curb media freedom and discourage the return of educated elites and researchers who are vital to the country's development.

Finally, the publication questioned ongoing parliamentary efforts to impeach the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare over subsidiary appointments, noting the ministry has already experienced chronic instability with seven ministers and caretakers in fourteen years. The commentary urged lawmakers to abandon divisive maneuvers and realign their priorities with economic stability and national cohesion.