Khamenei endorsed Ebrahim Raeisi as Iran’s new president

Ebrahim Raeisi is now officially the 8th president of the Islamic Republic of Iran after his mandate was endorsed by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei at a ceremony in Tehran, weeks after the ex-Judiciary chief won the country’s 13th presidential election by a landslide, Press TV reported.

In the endorsement decree, Khamenei called on the new president to work toward activating the country’s capabilities and paving the way for a leap forward in all sectors, placing an especial emphasis on economy.

“Today, our dear country is thirsty for valuable service and is ready to make a leap in all areas. The country needs competent, jihadi, intelligent, courageous management that can organize the manifest and hidden capabilities of the nation — in particular those of the youth, which are much greater in scope than the problems,” read the decree.

 A management is needed that can bring these capabilities into the field for constructive work and endeavor, eliminate the obstacles in the way of production, seriously pursue policies for strengthening the national currency, and empower the middle and lower classes of society that are shouldering the burden of economic problems, it added.

In his speech, President Raeisi said that through their wide participation in the election, the Iranian people sent a message that they are demanding “change, justice as well as a fight against corruption, poverty and discrimination.”

Raeisi pointed out that the people’s trust in the administration has been hurt more than their livelihoods, adding that by voting, they demonstrated that they want the new administration “to restore that trust and reduce the gap with the public.”

A strong relationship between the nation and the administration is the key to resolving problems and helping the country stand against enemies, he said.

Raeisi also called on all people, including intellectuals, thinkers, and officials, to work together to bring about the changes needed by the country.

“We will certainly seek to lift the oppressive sanctions, but will not tie the people’s livelihoods and economy [to the sanctions] or the foreigners’ will,” he added.

Leader calls for swift formation of administration

On his part, Khamenei said that in many countries, the transition of power is usually marred by conflict, but the process in Iran has been peaceful and secure at various junctures.

    “This [endorsement] ceremony, which is based on the Constitution and is a legacy of the great Imam [Khomeini], has been repeated many times over the past decades. It is a symbol of the transition of the very important responsibility of the government’s executive branch, namely managing the country, in a rational, peaceful and dignified manner. This is a highly significant issue,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.

The Leader further called for a swift formation of the administration and said, “The country’s conditions do not warrant a delay” in the process.

Khamenei advised the new president to make efforts to realize the “Popular Administration” slogan, under which he campaigned for election, and maintain a close relationship between the administration and the people.

“Resolving the economic problems takes time. Our dear people already know that,” said the Leader. “Endeavors should be made to shorten the period as much as possible.”

These days, the Leader said, the country’s shortcomings and woes have been much discussed, but Iran’s capacities in different sectors are extraordinary and beyond the problems.

Raeisi won almost 62 percent of the votes in the June 18 presidential election and will succeed President Hassan Rouhani, who served two four-year terms in office.

The new president will take an oath of office in an inauguration ceremony at the Iranian Parliament on Thursday.

Hamda Mustafa