Reactions to Former Iranian President's Comments on Federalism

Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America, May 14, 2019

Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami

Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has faced harsh reactions, particularly from nationalist groups, for his comments regarding a federal governance system.

According to Iranian newspapers, Khatami, who is known as the "reformist president," stated during a meeting with members of Tehran’s Islamic City Council that "the federal governance model is the most suitable government system."

"It may not be suitable in the current situation, but the most favorable model of democratic governance is a federal system. At that time, we had defined 10 regions within our Ministry of the Interior. However, according to the constitution, we cannot be federal," Khatami’s words were reported in the media.

Various politicians and prominent political activists, including those from different political currents, as well as numerous social media users, have expressed strong criticism of the former president.

Saeed Beshirtash, a prominent Iranian political activist living in Europe, wrote on his Twitter account: "Striking Mohammad Khatami's mouth is a national duty."

Critics argue that "Khatami has disturbed all Iranians who love their country."

Even Khatami’s supporters, who are among the reformists, have been angered by his comments.

"I never thought that those who consider themselves Khatami’s admirers would curse him over his federalism proposal and join forces with politicians who oppose him," wrote Behram Javadi, the editor-in-chief of the "Yol Press" website in Urmia.

The anger over Khatami's comments isn't limited to nationalist politicians and activists.

Mehdi Haceti, a member of the Shiraz City Council who has recently gained attention for his support of religious minority communities, also expressed that Khatami’s words were contrary to Iranian patriotism.

Mehdi Haceti tweeted, "Mr. Khatami! No Iranian patriot would casually talk about federalism!"

Iranian officials have previously proposed the federal government model. However, unlike non-Persian activists, those proposing federalism emphasized economic factors and climate conditions rather than language, ethnic identity, and other demographic features.

Turkish activists and other groups from non-Persian communities argue that Iran, as a "multi-ethnic country," would benefit most from a federal governance system, which they propose as the most suitable government model for the country.

Link to the original text in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
İranda federalizmdən bəhs edən sabiq prezidentə sərt reaksiyalar var