Masoud Pezeshkian, the President, emphasized the necessity of reforming the subsidy distribution mechanism at the Government Information Council meeting held today (Sunday, November 1st) and stated: "The country's public resources belong to the people and should not be distributed equally without regard to income levels and household needs."
The Necessity of Directing Support Towards Those in Need
Pezeshkian added: "The government has a duty to direct its support towards those who need it." Referring to international experiences, he stressed the importance of using successful models to identify and remove individuals who are not in need from the list of beneficiaries of livelihood support. He clarified that those who have financial means should not benefit from resources intended for the needy.
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The President also stated: "Underprivileged, low-income, and vulnerable households should be prioritized for receiving support." This perspective reflects a shift in subsidy distribution policies and a focus on strengthening social justice in the country.
The Role of the Government Information Council
Pezeshkian further referred to the role of the Government Information Council in articulating these policies and stated: "One of the important duties of this council is to persuade and prepare society to accept the necessity of reforming the subsidy distribution system." He emphasized the importance of dialogue and explaining the rationale behind policies to raise public awareness and said: "We must inform the people about the goals and necessities of this decision."
He stressed that the government, in the face of resource limitations, must prioritize the most needy individuals, saying: "If we had sufficient resources, we could provide broader support to all sectors, but under current circumstances, we must first reach those who are in greatest need." This viewpoint indicates the need for optimal resource management and equitable distribution among different segments of society.
Community Solidarity and Cooperation
Pezeshkian concluded his remarks with confidence in the possibility of overcoming the current conditions, emphasizing the necessity of solidarity, cooperation, and participation from all agencies and sectors of society, stating: "If we all come together, we can overcome the current situation, reduce the livelihood problems of the people, and create the conditions for achieving justice in the distribution of resources and facilities in the country."
