Iran’s minister of labour resigned on Tuesday after coming under heavy criticism for his handling of problems involving the labour market and pensions, which prompted widespread protests over the past several weeks.
Minister of Co-operatives, Labour and Social Welfare Hojjatollah Abdolmaleki sent his resignation letter to President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday, the Tasnim news agency reported.
Protests were reported in at least 40 cities and towns across Iran over the past several weeks over economic matters, with many demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans and calling for the fall of the regime.
The bulk of the protesters consisted of pensioners and retired government employees who have called for a significant increase in pensions to offset rising prices amid the country's growing economic woes.
The Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Security said earlier this month it was increasing pensions by 57.4 per cent to 55.8 million Iranian rials ($177) a month. But pensioners say it is too little and too late to cope with years of inflation.
Iran has experienced a string of protests in recent weeks against rising food prices and following a deadly building collapse, which demonstrators blamed on negligence and corruption.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Iran’s parliament issued its first “yellow card” of this year’s session to Industry and Trade Minister Reza Fatemi-Amin after members of the consultative assembly said they were not satisfied with his answers during questioning.
Iran’s parliament gives out symbolic “yellow cards", also known as warning cards, to ministers who fail to convince MPs with their responses when they are summoned to parliament over a particular issue or their performance.
Under parliamentary regulations, a minister who receives three yellow cards can be impeached.
Earlier this week, Iran’s currency dropped to its lowest value as talks to revive the country’s tattered nuclear deal with world powers remained deadlocked.
Traders in Tehran on Sunday exchanged the rial at 332,000 to the US dollar, up from 327,500 on Saturday. That marked more than a 4.4 per cent change compared with June 1, when it traded at 318,000 to the dollar.
In central Tehran, dozens of shop owners took to the streets in protest against the economic situation, after many shut their businesses following a recent rise in business taxes. Videos posted on social media showed security forces clashing with the striking shopkeepers and breaking shop windows in the capital.
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
FIGHT%20CARD
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
The biog
Name: Salvador Toriano Jr
Age: 59
From: Laguna, The Philippines
Favourite dish: Seabass or Fish and Chips
Hobbies: When he’s not in the restaurant, he still likes to cook, along with walking and meeting up with friends.
The five pillars of Islam
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Profile
Company name: Jaib
Started: January 2018
Co-founders: Fouad Jeryes and Sinan Taifour
Based: Jordan
Sector: FinTech
Total transactions: over $800,000 since January, 2018
Investors in Jaib's mother company Alpha Apps: Aramex and 500 Startups
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Elvis
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey'
Rating: 3/5
Directors: Ramin Bahrani, Debbie Allen, Hanelle Culpepper, Guillermo Navarro
Writers: Walter Mosley
Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Dominique Fishback, Walton Goggins
The%20Woman%20King%20
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FOLD5
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more from Janine di Giovanni
ODI FIXTURE SCHEDULE
First ODI, October 22
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Second ODI, October 25
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Third ODI, October 29
Venue TBC
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Royal wedding inspired menu
Ginger, citrus and orange blossom iced tea
Avocado ranch dip with crudites
Cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese mini club sandwiches
Elderflower and lemon syllabub meringue
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Green ambitions
- Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
- Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
- Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
- Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off water
