This morning (Tuesday), in a meeting with the President and cabinet members, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that the two main issues in the Government's Week were an examination of the performance of the executive branch and keeping alive the significant developments during the revolution and those in the forty-three years that had passed since its triumph. Explaining the government's achievement in the past year and stating his chief recommendations, including those that concerned economic issues, he added that in all occurrences, "the real heroes in what had come to pass during the revolution" were the Iranian people. We have to draw lessons from this, which should show state officials how to treat this nation.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to martyrs Rajai and Bahonar as managers who were on par with the Islamic Revolution and pointed out that martyrdom was the worthy reward given to these dear ones by God the Almighty. He added that ignoring and forgetting significant developments was a scourge we all must avoid.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that "the popular uprising during the revolution," "the surprise of arrogant powers at the magnificence of the revolution," "the country's defenselessness in the face of Iraqi aerial attacks," and "the terrorists' show of strength across the country and insecurity in the early years of the revolution," "the performance of the executive and legislative branches after the revolution," "the incessant enmity of the global bullies," "people's decisive presence on the front in the sacred defence and other confrontations with the enemies," "the ready and admirable presence of the people in different marches and processions," are among issues that must always remain in public memory.
In the same vein, His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei reminded his audience of the memorable participation of the Iranian people at the funeral of martyr Haj Ghasem Soleimani. He added that there were similar events, including the meaningful and extensive presence of the public at the funeral of the late Ayatollah Naseri in Isfahan as well as the surprising public presence in Eid al-Ghadir, which shows where the people are headed and is the right path that should be maintained.
The Leader of the revolution stated that the second function of the Government's Week was to examine the performance of the executive branch. Referring to some of the government's achievements, the Leader made some recommendations to the President and the cabinet.
His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei said that the government's most significant success was to rekindle hope in people and rebuild public trust in it. He added that people see that the government has entered the fray and is busy trying to solve their problems and provide them with services. This state of affairs has largely resurrected hope and trust in the government. Needless to say, government efforts have borne fruit in some areas and are yet to prove effective in others.
He describes the cabinet's travel to provinces as essential and brilliant. He added that 31 trips made by the cabinet to the provinces, including to the deprived parts of the country, in its first year after assuming power and supervising the work being done from close by and expressing their deep sympathy for the people as being among the government's other achievements. He stated that "the officials' rapid response to natural disasters and their presence on the scene to express government sympathy with the people," "the removal of unhealthy and controversial competition between the various branches of the government which sowed confusion in people's minds," "emphasis on the necessity of watchfulness of the heads of all branches of government in keeping up their efforts to create a relaxed environment," and "recruiting young people," are among the accomplishments of the government.
He said that it is clear that young managers, in some instances, make mistakes. Still, given the youthful spirit they bring with them to the executive and legislative branches of the government and the nurturing of capable managers that results in recruiting young people is worth the price paid for it in terms of the mistakes that they might make.
His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei said that "riding the society of dependence on the decisions and actions of foreigners," "not making the country dependent on the outside world," "and emphasizing domestic capabilities" are among the other successes of the executive branch.
He regarded the thirteenth government as being "responsible," adding that in the past year, no one has heard any excuses from them, such as not having "sufficient authority" or not being "allowed to" do what needs to be done.
"A positive approach to foreign policy and culture" and "paying greater attention to revolution's slogans such as the pursuit of justice, supporting the deprived, avoiding an extravagant lifestyle, and fighting arrogance" are other outstanding characteristics of the current administration.
The Leader stressed that the administration should maintain its present course to achieve more remarkable achievements.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution then made other recommendations to the current administration. The first was "to be grateful to God for having given them the opportunity to serve people." He said to be grateful, in the first place, means offering prayers to God and calling upon Him to assist them as well as having affection for the holy Quran. The next step is to continue their jihadi efforts to serve the people.
The second recommendation of the Leader of the revolution was "to do everything solely for God and keep away from stunts."
this regard, His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that informing the public of all the steps taken does not mean insincerity because it raises people's hope.
His third suggestion was to mingle with people and not be deterred by enemy propaganda. Also, he advised them to be patient when mixing with people.
The Leader of the revolution stated that the presence of the President and other state officials was very impactful and full of blessings. He added that for the government to become popular takes more than mingling with people but requires meticulous planning, considering different views, and preparing the ground for public participation in various arenas, including the political and economic spheres.
His Excellency's fourth recommendation was that promises made to the public should be kept and making impossible promises should be avoided as they undermine public trust in state officials. His fifth recommendation was to have a long-term plan so that the government does not become entangled in running the country's day-to-day affairs. To avoid this trap, a grand plan and a comprehensive roadmap must be used to inform people about where the country is at any moment.
His sixth recommendation was to observe the priorities they had set. He stated that the resources at the disposal of the state are finite. Therefore, it is necessary, to begin with deciding the main headings and then prioritize each title and its related subheadings.
The Leader of the revolution emphasized that the economy remains the top priority at the present juncture. He added that it does not mean that other issues such as science, security, and social and cultural harm should be put aside. Still, the economy must come first while maintaining our cultural values in the course of pursuing economic development.
Concerning the economy, His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out a few issues. The first is that "those who manage the economy should have similar views on how to tackle various economic problems," and they should "determine the priorities and focus on key indices with daily follow-up by the President and others responsible."
The Leader of the revolution described the leading indices as being the rate of inflation, the rate of economic growth, the rate of investment, the rate of unemployment, the rate of per capita income, and reducing income inequality between people of different social classes which should be constantly and accurately monitored.
In his following recommendation, the Leader of the revolution referred to production as the primary goal and emphasized the need for the government to remove all obstacles that hamper the growth of production.
With respect to agricultural production, he referred to the food security crisis in the wake of the war in Ukraine and described food security as extremely important. He added that he had in the past continuously reminded officials of the necessity of self-sufficiency in the production of major food items such as wheat. He pointed out that food security was critical and should not be neglected.
Regarding industrial production and the lack of working capital faced by industrial enterprises, he said that the banks are responsible for providing the working capital needed by these businesses. He said that the Central Bank had imposed stringent regulations to control banks' balance sheets. Still, the Central Bank should ensure these regulations target the unproductive and speculative activities of the banks, such as buying property and gold coins and not harm the provision of finance for the productive activities of industrial concerns.
In his enumeration of economic priorities, the Leader of the revolution referred to the issue of housing, saying that for housing, we are lagging behind, which has led to a spike in prices and rents, causing pain and suffering for the ordinary people.
Other priorities discussed by the Leader of the revolution included "the building of petro-refineries," "completing the added value chain in mineral industries and not selling unprocessed products," "completing the north-south and east-west transit corridors, increasing the country's international transport capacity and the domestic road network to enhance transportation," "and expanding the use of the unique capacity of the seas." He stressed the importance of not allowing Iran's human and natural resources to go to waste.
Towards the end of his speech, His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need to complete all projects and the necessity of having patience and working in a jihadi manner to solve problems accumulated over the years. He added that if his recommendations are adhered to, it will prove that the thirteenth government has been productive, proactive, and capable of resolving the problems people are confronted with. Consequently, both God and people will be satisfied.
He also said that he appreciated the reports the President and his cabinet members presented, stating that the public relations departments within the government should more actively, artfully and credibly publicize the administration's accomplishments for the people.
Prior to the Leader's speech, the President and four of his cabinet ministers presented reports on the approach adopted and the work carried out by the thirteenth government during its first year in office.
Referring to the difficult conditions the country had been in September of 2021, HIWM Raisi said that the most important step taken by his administration was "not to link people's livelihood with the will of foreigners." He added that more than ever during the previous year, he and his colleagues had become confident that there was a solution for every problem and that there were no deadlocks.
He said his administration's most significant asset was people's cooperation and trust. He added that the sole mega project of his government was to "rekindle public trust in the government", and it is within this context that all steps are taken.
The main topics of the President's report concerned controlling inflation and liquidity, containing the coronavirus and nationwide vaccination, not borrowing from the Central Bank to cover budget deficits, finding new sources of revenue and paying back the debts inherited from the previous administrations, maintaining a fixed quantity of the essential commodities, making trips to provinces with the view to solve provincial problems, setting up electronic systems to remove the possibility of corruption, carrying out justice, particularly concerning the state's budget bill, reorienting foreign policy from one based on the nuclear agreement with world powers to one based on a balanced view of things, and increasing trade and cooperation with regional countries.
Vice President Mokhber referred to "the management of economic fluctuations," "activation of domestic investment," and "fighting poverty and promoting justice" as the three central economic axes of government efforts in the first year of its coming to power. He added that realizing the country's various capacities, including utilizing a coastline stretching for 2700 km, and the mineral and agricultural resources are government priorities.
Another part of this meeting was devoted to the report presented by Mr Mortazavi, Vice President for Executive Affairs. His report dealt with provincial visits and procedures for budget allocations to projects to be implemented in provinces. He also referred to steps the administration had taken with respect to planning and budgeting, including correcting the balance of income and expenses. In the reports presented by Mr Mirkazemi, the head of the Planning and Budget Organization and the Minister of Energy concerning water and electricity, they discussed the steps taken to solve water shortages and prevent power outages in summer.