Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America, February 14, 2025
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| Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian |
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that he will seek permission from the Supreme Leader to increase the powers of provincial governors. He said, "Each province should have its own president."
Masoud Pezeshkian made these comments on Thursday during a meeting with intellectuals in Bushehr province.
This news, along with a video recording, was shared by Iranian media.
"We will ask the Supreme Leader for permission to give more powers to the governors, and we will discuss this with the heads of the authorities. Each province should have its own president. Who said that I am superior to those sitting here? Every province can appoint one of its own people as the head of the region, and decisions can be made in a coordinated manner, advancing affairs with strength," the president stated.
Pezeshkian emphasized that making plans for the provinces while sitting in Tehran was not appropriate.
"It would not be right for me to make plans for the provinces while sitting in Tehran. Those who live here know better how to plan for this place. We must give them the opportunity. However, this should be based on general policies and the state program. The main policies should guide it, and planning and operations should be within the authority of the provinces. It should not be a case of tribalism, where everyone does as they wish," added President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The president's remarks have sparked various reactions in Iranian political circles and on social media. Some Iranian nationalist groups have written that Pezeshkian's ideas could lead the country toward division.
Notable Iranian journalist and writer Hengameh Shahidi wrote on her X account, "The only idea Pezeshkian has persistently repeated from the start is decentralization – the code name for separatism – and the idea of federalizing Iran, as well as weakening the connection between the provinces and the capital."
Link to the original text in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Məsud Pezeşkian: Rəhbərdən icazə alacağıq ki, “hər vilayətin özünün bir prezidenti olsun”