Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, likely to run for president in June, says the country’s problems can be resolved in a matter of two years.

“I promise to you that economic serenity will return to the country within two years.... I never make a promise which I may not make good on,” Qalibaf told a group of people in the southwestern city of Ahvaz on Monday.

He criticized the incumbent administration for its non-compliance with the country’s 20-Year Vision Plan which requires Iran to be a top economic power in the region by 2025.

Qalibaf stated that drafting a plan would not be enough to overcome economic pressures, unemployment and growing inflation in Iran.

Iran needs a president who can guarantee the implementation of all macropolicies, he noted.

Tehran mayor also stated that effective management will help create jobs for university graduates.

Qalibaf is a member of the principlist Coalition of Three along with former Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Velayati, who currently advises Leader of the Islamic Revolution Seyyed Ali Khamenei on international affairs, and Iranian lawmaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel.

The coalition is to pick one of its members with the highest approval rating as the nominee to succeed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Iran’s 11th presidential election will be held on June 14. Presidential hopefuls can register from May 7 to 11.

The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national election and candidates must be vetted for qualifications by the Guardian Council.
 

News ID 184696