From Fabricated Diploma to Peaches

he first Majlis session to review Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s cabinet nominees was held yesterday while scores of people gathered in several parts of Tehran, calling for Ahmadinejad’s resignation and chanting “coup government, resign, resign.”  Meanwhile, many experts and political figures refrained from commenting on Ahmadinejad’s cabinet picks, telling a Rooz reporter that they were not willing to engage in any such discussions as it would imply recognition of the coup government. 

On the other hand, in an unprecedented move, Ahmadinejad, who has not presented the Majlis with any agenda for his administration, entered the Majlis building accompanied by two bodyguards, who sat on his either side.  The lawmakers loudly protested the act, and Ahmadinejad’s bodyguards were forced to leave the Majlis floor after objections by Ali Larijani and Eghbal Mohammad, Marivan’s representative, who said, “This is our nation’s house and a secure place.” 

This member of the Line of the Imam Faction referred to articles 6, 7 and 8 of the Majlis bylaws indicating that only the president, his deputies and ministers can be present on the Majlis floor, noting, “The entrance of anyone other than the mentioned individuals is forbidden by the bylaws.”  

After the session ended, Mohammadi told Parleman News website’s reporter that no president has ever entered the Majlis floor with his bodyguards.  Asked about Mr. Ahmadinejad’s reasons for doing so, he responded, “God knows!”

According to the reports, most lawmakers who spoke in support of Ahmadinejad’s proposed ministers were representatives from smaller provincial areas, while the critics were composed of reformists and prominent Principalist (hardline) figures.  Mohammad Reza Bahonar, Ahmad Tavakkoli and Ali Mottahari were prominent Principalist lawmakers who criticized Ahmadinejad and his cabinet picks, while at the same time noted that, “The tenth administration must begin its work because of the country’s current situation.” 

Consultation with a Five-Year-Old Child

When defending his cabinet picks, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad responded to critics who argued that he did not consult others regarding his decisions, saying, “I even spoke with a five-year-old child who had written a letter to me on his own.  Why do you say that my administration doesn’t consult others?  I even consulted and spoke with a middle school student!” 

Responding to criticism that his cabinet ministers were subservient to him, Ahmadinejad said, “It is a basic principle of management that subordinates must be coordinated with their manager.  Otherwise, tasks would not be carried out.”

Ahmadinejad claimed, “I have put my life on the line many times to protect this regime.  I have never seen anyone accept such danger and, even if he does, at least not at this level.” 

Ahmadinejad also claimed that he wanted to stay out of election debates, but decided to participate only because of the “Islamic regime.”