As protests continue to unfold across Iran, the government announced an initiative to provide its citizens with a monthly payment of roughly $7, aimed at alleviating economic strain, as reported by various sources.
This announcement was made during a state television broadcast by government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani. He indicated that the efforts are intended to maintain household purchasing power, manage inflation, and assure food security.
The plan, it seems, represents a transition from years of subsidizing imports to delivering direct financial assistance to citizens. The proposal aims to redistribute about $10 billion that was previously allocated to certain imported goods directly to the population.
Under this new program, eligible citizens will receive one million Iranian tomans, which converts to around $7, in credits that can be used for purchases. The labor minister noted that approximately 80 million Iranians, more than half of the country’s population, would benefit from this initiative.
Iran’s economy has faced significant challenges, primarily due to sanctions and plummeting oil revenues, which have ignited these widespread protests. The currency has lost substantial value against the US dollar, contributing to the plight of many citizens.
The Iranian Statistics Center recently reported that the average annual inflation rate hit 42.2%. Such economic conditions led to protests involving various groups, including merchants and university students, with markets shut down and gatherings reported at campuses.
In light of the escalating unrest, demonstrators are calling for an end to the regime led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Reports from the US-based Human Rights Activists of Iran indicate that the protests have reached at least 222 locations across 78 cities. They are also marking a tragic toll, with claims that 20 individuals have lost their lives, including three children, and nearly 990 have been arrested during these demonstrations.
