On March 2, 2025, Iran’s parliament impeached Finance Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati, reflecting the government’s struggle with a plunging rial and accusations of mismanagement. This decision, supported by 182 lawmakers, underscores growing economic frustrations amid international sanctions and calls for greater unity within the government to address these challenges.
On March 2, 2025, Iran’s parliament voted to impeach Finance Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati due to concerns regarding the rapidly devaluing rial and accusations of mismanagement. This decision comes just six months into President Masoud Pezeshkian’s term, reflecting mounting economic frustrations. The parliament’s decision, announced by Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, saw 182 out of 273 lawmakers voting for Hemmati’s dismissal.
President Pezeshkian defended Hemmati, urging lawmakers to unite against external pressures, particularly concerning the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The Iranian economy has faced significant hardships due to international sanctions, particularly following the United States’ withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which has exacerbated the rial’s decline.
Since the signing of the 2015 nuclear deal, the rial has depreciated from 32,000 to over 930,000 per dollar, marking a severe economic crisis. During the impeachment, some lawmakers contended that the current administration should not be blamed for current inflation rates, which remain high at 35%. They pointed out that the budget deficit from the previous government significantly contributed to the economic challenges.
Hemmati acknowledged the harsh economic conditions his administration faced and noted a slight decrease in inflation by 10%. However, he cautioned that substantial improvements would take time to realize. The events surrounding this impeachment underscore the complexities of Iran’s political and economic landscapes amid international pressures.
The impeachment of Finance Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati by the Iranian parliament highlights the government’s struggle with economic management in the face of severe inflation and currency devaluation. With the rial’s rapid decline largely attributed to both external sanctions and internal fiscal challenges, this event illustrates the critical need for unified efforts within Iran’s leadership to navigate ongoing economic difficulties. The removal of Hemmati reflects a larger narrative regarding the accountability of government officials amidst challenging geopolitical and economic circumstances, as the parliament seeks solutions for the nation’s pressing financial crisis.
Original Source: apnews.com
