Iran experienced substantial protests and strikes on December 29, driven by public dissatisfaction over economic hardships, inflation, and declining living standards. Major demonstrations occurred in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, as well as in other cities, where merchants and retirees demanded reforms. Security forces were deployed, but the populace remained determined in their calls for change amid worsening economic conditions.
On December 29, Iran was gripped by widespread protests and strikes across numerous cities as citizens expressed their frustrations regarding rampant inflation, soaring prices, and deteriorating living conditions. Merchants, retirees, and laborers took to the streets demanding significant economic reforms and accountability from the Iranian authorities.
The Grand Bazaar in Tehran emerged as a central site for protests, where merchants from various sectors, including textiles and footwear, halted their operations to join the demonstrations. Protesters shouted slogans encouraging their fellow merchants to join in, such as “Don’t be afraid, close your shops!” and “Bazaar with integrity, show your support!” As strikes spread to notable markets like Mellat and Hamam Chal, merchants cited rising raw material costs and insufficient liquidity as pressing issues.
Nationwide protests also unfolded in cities like Ahvaz, Shush, and Isfahan, where retirees clamored for increased pension benefits to align with the escalating cost of living. Chants resonated through the crowds, including “Enough with the warmongering; our tables are empty!” and “Injustice is unbearable!” In Ilam, university staff protested against their poor working conditions, while workers in Sirjan rallied over unpaid wages.
The economic crisis exacerbating these protests stems from soaring inflation and the plummeting value of the Iranian currency, with the price of gold coins reaching unprecedented heights. Experts warn that the government’s mismanagement may lead to further economic destabilization. One Iranian economic analyst noted, “The rising dollar will soon impact other essential markets, shrinking people’s purchasing power even more.”
Despite the presence of security forces to contain the protests, demonstrators have remained resolute. The Coordination Council of Retirees condemned the government for failing to address their demands, accusing it of prioritizing military and ideological initiatives over citizens’ needs. The exodus of over 11,500 healthcare professionals from Iran underscores the severity of issues in crucial sectors.
This wave of demonstrations highlights the growing discontent among Iranians from diverse backgrounds, fueled by economic hardship and systemic corruption. Analysts express concern that the government’s inability to address these grievances may incite even broader unrest, threatening the clerical regime’s continued dominance. The current protests serve as a stark reminder of Iran’s escalating economic and social crises, with the populace increasingly vocalizing their demands for substantial change.
The protests in Iran are rooted in widespread discontent driven by acute economic challenges, including skyrocketing inflation and the devaluation of the national currency, the toman. Rising costs of essential goods and poor living conditions have triggered a backlash from citizens across various sectors of society. The protests represent a culmination of grievances against the regime’s economic mismanagement and a call for accountability and transparency in governance.
The recent protests across Iran have underscored a significant shift in public sentiment, showcasing the collective frustrations of a populace besieged by economic turmoil. With demonstrators from diverse groups claiming that their basic needs are being neglected, the Iranian government faces increasing pressure to address these issues or potentially face escalated unrest. The ongoing situation serves as a pivotal moment in the struggle for economic and political reform within the nation, reflecting deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the current regime.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
