Türkiye’s economy sparks heated debate in Iran presidential race
In this picture made available by Iranian state-run TV, IRIB, presidential candidate for the June 28 election Masoud Pezeshkian, who is Tehran Mayor, speaks in the debate of the candidates at the TV studio in Tehran, Iran June 20, 2024 (AP Photo)
The first round of presidential debates in Iran, featuring six candidates for the June 28 election, was broadcast live on state television.
The debates, centered on economic issues, also touched on international relations and sanctions.
During the debate, a notable exchange occurred between reformist presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian and conservative candidate Alireza Zakani, who is Tehran’s mayor, concerning Türkiye’s economic situation.
Pezeshkian, the sole reformist candidate, along with moderate conservative Mostafa Pourmohammedi, a former Minister of Justice, highlighted the negative impacts of sanctions and the resulting lack of global interaction on Iran’s economy.
They argued that economic difficulties are exacerbated by isolation from the international community.
Calls for self-sufficiency
In contrast, other conservative candidates, including Saeed Jalili, Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, and Alireza Zakani, maintained that Iran’s economy should not be reliant on external developments. They emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and internal resources.
Pezeshkian stressed the necessity of global engagement for economic growth, stating, “Economic growth is not possible without interaction with the world.” He called for the implementation of development plans by competent individuals without political bias.
Jalili echoed the need for prioritizing economic growth, claiming: “Iran has managed to withstand the maximum pressure campaign (the sanctions initiated during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tenure) by relying on its own resources. The President must be aware of both shortcomings and opportunities.”
Debate over Türkiye’s economic performance
Zakani cited Türkiye’s inflation as a cautionary example, arguing: “Türkiye has failed despite its interactions with the world.”
Masoud Pezeshkian countered by urging a closer look at Türkiye’s infrastructure and export growth despite its high inflation.
Please go and see their roads, stores, and exports despite the inflation. Compare that to Iran’s roads. Before the revolution, Turkey envied Iran’s roads. Now, they’ve built hundreds of kilometers of roads and about 70-80 tunnels. We boast about constructing four tunnels. We have fallen behind
Reformist presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian
