Analysis by PMOI/MEK
Iran, Aug 7, 2019 – Once again, clashes between rival factions in the Iranian regime reveal new dimensions of the endemic corruption in different levels of government and other ruling institutions.
Recently, the regime’s state-run media revealed the wealth of MPs before and after their membership in the Majlis (parliament). In this regard, Jahan-e Sanat wrote, “A simple comparison of the wealth of those who came to the Majlis within the last few years with their past proves the fact that those who, once upon a time, had nothing now possess billions of dollars."
Jahan-e Sanat also acknowledged, “It is impossible to ignore the role of the government in the massive economic corruption. The government is the first to be blamed since it is the main source of embezzlement and corruption.”
While referring to the ridiculous dollar exchange rate declared by regime Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri, Jahan-e Sanat added, “Jahangiri’s declaration of the dollar rate as low as 42,000 rials prepared the grounds for individuals and groups with ties to government institutions to make profits. Systematic corruption has grown roots in all economic sectors of the country.”
Resalat, another state-run newspaper, revealed that the government has provided $60 million to an individual to build a hotel abroad.
Corruption in Iranian vehicle manufacturers has also triggered protests.
In the past months, Iran’s largest vehicle manufacturing companies released announcements encouraging consumers to pre-order cars at discounted rates.
Many people registered to purchase vehicles from Iran Khodro and Saipa. But their purchases haven’t been delivered to them, which has triggered protests in different cities.
In early January, both companies canceled discounts and declared new prices, which caused shock and fury among thousands of their customers. Customers who registered for vehicles like Brilliance in the summer of 2018 faced a heavy financial loss.
According to the customers, they could purchase the same vehicle last summer at a lower cost. The customers registered for Brilliance at $2,750 as down payment while the full price of Brilliance was more than $6,000. In January, the companies declared an additional $6,000 payment would be required to receive the purchases.
Many customers demanded a refund, but the companies declared that they might only refund the purchases 3 months later. Manufacturing companies also declared they will not deliver the vehicles to customers for at least 60 days.
The customers have found themselves in a situation where they will be on the losing end no matter what happens. And that’s why they have joined to the line of thousands of demonstrators across Iran.
Protest against the corruption of state-backed companies has become a common scene across Iran.
