Iran’s Parliament has voted to make Thursdays a second weekend day, aligning with Fridays. The decision, pending approval from the Guardian Council, mandates government operations from Saturday to Wednesday, while military and some services remain exempt. Previous proposals had suggested Saturdays as the weekend to better synchronize with international norms.
In an open session on Wednesday, Iranian lawmakers voted to designate Thursdays as the second weekend day, alongside Fridays. However, this decision still requires approval from the Guardian Council to become a legally binding law. Should it take effect, all government agencies will be required to operate from Saturday to Wednesday, excluding military, security, and certain service sectors such as banks and hospitals, which are exempt from this new schedule.
This decision follows a contentious history regarding the selection of a second weekend day. The previous government had proposed Saturdays as the additional weekend day, a move that faced significant debate among the public. Private sector advocates contend that a Saturday weekend would better align Iran with international trade practices, given that most countries observe Saturdays and Sundays as their weekend days.
On May 15, 2024, the previous Parliament voted in favor of Saturdays as the second weekend day, but this decision was overturned by the Guardian Council, prompting a revision and further deliberation by current lawmakers.
In summary, the Iranian Parliament’s recent approval to recognize Thursdays as the second weekend day is pending validation from the Guardian Council to become law. This change requires government agencies to adjust their operating days, while military and certain service sectors remain unaffected. Ongoing debates highlight the conflicting preferences regarding weekends in relation to global trade practices.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
