Iranian legislators: reformers in difficulty

Audio 02:32

By: Oriane Verdier

The Iranians are preparing to vote on Friday, or to boycott for many. The campaign has not attracted much attention from citizens who are caught up in the economic consequences of the US sanctions. Some say they no longer have confidence in the reform policy proposed by President Hassan Rohani, others denounce the invalidation of thousands of candidates, most of them reformers.

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In a half-full gymnasium, the Alliance for Iran, Tehran's main reformist list, is holding its last campaign meeting. Faced with them, skeptical voters who complain about the disconnection between the people and the politicians in whom they had placed their hope. Mostafa Kavakebian, current deputy and head of the list promises change.

“ The reform movement should not be viewed as a coherent unit. Those reformers who succeed in entering parliament will have the priority of rebuilding the lost trust. The people must feel that their leaders are attentive to their problems and that they take economic difficulties seriously. "

A man came to cry out in distress. He claims to have been waiting for an appointment with a manager for 4 years, without success. We will not be able to interview him, rejected by the security services. Today, speeches are no longer enough to convince a people who are suffocating in a collapsing economy. Ali, runs an import-export business, today his dreams for the future have come to a halt.

“ Previously, I voted for the election of President Rohani only to support the nuclear deal. I was aware of the impact that having ties to the West could have. Today we have to find a way to express our dissatisfaction with the system. This system that makes decisions for us. One way is to take to the streets like what happened last November, but that is not discussed. We have reached a point where we only live day by day. In the morning, at night ... in the morning, at night ... there is no hope for the future. "

The economic crisis hitting Iran spares no one. Parwaneh and her husband also suffer, but they keep confidence in the future provided they follow a conservative policy.

" Today we are experiencing difficulties, but if we give in to intimidation by some then the future of the country, of our generation and that of our children will once again be in difficulty. So it's not worth bending. We prefer to accept the difficulties and that in the future, our country, our homeland keep its place in the world. "

It's the end of the Liberals in power, warns Parwaneh's husband as they walk away. If, as many predict, the Conservatives win a clear victory on Friday, partly favored by an exceptional abstention, they could be in a strong position to approach the presidential election of 2021.

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