Iranian President Reveals Salary Drop to $1,000 Monthly Amid Economic Crisis
In a revealing address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian shared details about his monthly earnings, highlighting a significant decline in his salary as one of the country's top political leaders. Speaking at a meeting on February 14, Pezeshkian explained that he once earned 6,000 tomans, equivalent to $6,000 at the time, but now receives only about $1,000 per month as president.
Economic Challenges and Currency Depreciation
Pezeshkian acknowledged that inflation and the weakening of Iran's currency, which he attributed to foreign forces, have left many citizens struggling financially. He announced the establishment of a special working group to address these currency issues, emphasizing that problems in society are an undeniable reality that cannot be ignored.
"The existence of problems in society is an undeniable reality and we cannot turn a blind eye to it," Pezeshkian stated. He added that foreign powers had "sought to ride on the bedrock of these problems and direct the path of the country's internal developments to their own advantage."
Government Response to December Protests
The meeting also included families of victims and those injured in the December protests. Pezeshkian assured that the government is monitoring the situation of affected families and working to ease the consequences of the unrest. He struck a conciliatory tone, offering an apology for "problems that the people have suffered."
Activists claim that as many as 7,000 people were killed in a crackdown by state security forces during the protests. Iran has accused the US and Israel of fuelling the unrest, labelling protesters as rioters and terrorists.
Internet Services and Digital Economy
Separately, Seyyed Sattar Hashemi, Iran's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the importance of restoring stable internet services following recent disruptions. He explained that around 10 million Iranians depend directly or indirectly on the digital economy for their livelihoods, making reliable communications infrastructure vital for economic stability.
Salary Comparisons and Supreme Leader's Wealth
The president's remarks highlight a stark contrast between Iranian salaries and those of world leaders. For example, the US president earns $400,000 annually, while six-figure salaries are common among other heads of state.
In related news, Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has amassed a fortune with properties in Europe, according to reports. Bloomberg notes that luxury apartments worth millions of euros in Paris are linked to Khamenei, who is the 56-year-old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Unlike his father, Mojtaba has kept a low profile, rarely appearing in public and never holding government office.
