On February 5, President Hassan Rouhani did a live interview that sparked controversy before it even started. Some Iranian media outlets reported that there had been a disagreement between state television and Rouhani’s office, which preferred different journalists for the interview. The president’s quasi-official Twitter blamed the delay on the conservative head of state television, Ezataollah Zarghami, who reportedly favored a hard-liner interviewer. The following are tweeted headlines from the interview.
Head of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Zarghami, prevented live discussion w/ people on #IRIB1 which was scheduled for an hour ago
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014I'd like to first apologize to people for the delay in the start of this program and thank them for their patience . #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014
Economy
For the economic epic, people should also engage and take steps. This Government's path is determined by the people #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014We have managed to not only halt, but lower inflation. We have not used the Central Bank as a tool, even though it's a simple path
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014My trip to #Davos was about announcing to the world that a new atmosphere is permeating our economy--a new dawn for our economy #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014You are witness to how foreign firms are visiting our country; 117 political delegations have come here. #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014In coming months, there will be heavy traffic to Iran from all over d world. #Davos was about us unlocking the economic epic on int'l stage
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014I have ordered measures to be taken to improve the distribution of the baskets of goods to people. Having said this, keep in mind that...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014..we have no tax system capable of showing wealth of the wealthy & no social security system capable of making neediness of the needy clear
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014People receiving the basket of goods experienced inconvenience during these snowy days; I apologize to our people for any mismanagement
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014We continue our efforts to make it transparent who should receive assistance. Having said this,these baskets of goods are solely painkillers
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014More fundamental efforts are being made to promote investment and create employment opportunities to improve people's lives #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014We must move forward hand in hand to proceed with subsidy reforms that will bring prices to their real levels. #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014My Govt's commitment to fighting inflation and stagnation will make sure there will be no spikes, but stability. #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014
Culture
On culture, in recent months,I haven't had much opportunity to see many films. But I enjoy cinema, theatre & music. Had a special session w/
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014...artists & listened to their challenges & gained understanding of their hurdles. Gov is making efforts to make it easier for artists...
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014...to carry out their work. Government seeks closer bonds between artists and the people. #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014
International Relations
We've had good dialogue w/ Turkmenistan& Azerbaijan. Turkey's PM visited recently,as did Iraqi leaders.UAE& Omani leaders have come here too
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014I met w/ Pakistan's PM at the UN. Afghanistan's President's been here twice. We're considering long-term coop agreements with Afghanistan.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014And also #Russia, which is one of our neighbors. Relations with our neighbors are our priority. #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014We place importance on relations with regional states. We're breaking loose from chains imposed on us. In the fields of food, medicine,
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014...petrochemicals and even shipping and banking, we seek constructive engagement with the world based on wisdom & prudence #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014Our foreign policy is within the framework of the guidelines of Ayatollah @khamenei_ir. #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014Our nation has taken a great step; its effects are seen both at home and abroad. We now enjoy a more active presence on the int'l arena
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014
Domestic Politics All government branches should cooperate. Our people seek close cooperation between all organs of the state. #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014On budget, whatever budget is ratified by parliament & confirmed by Guardian Council, we are obliged to execute. Having said this, we have..
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014...held close talks with members of parliament, esp. on topic of subsidies #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014I want to thank our nation for its unity. Having said this, govt is not only open to but also favors criticism--real& constructive criticism
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014Nuclear Dispute
Before breaking the sanctions regime, we seek and have sought to break #Iranophobia & tell the world our #nuclear program is solely peaceful
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014
Health and Environment
We have many issues including #environmental pollution, which we are all witness to in all our major cities.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014We must bring down energy consumption. We consume double that of the world average, turning a lot of energy into poison polluting atmosphere
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014Gov will extend medical insurance to all Iranians. First step will be to cover 5mn uninsured Iranians by the social safety net #RouhaniCare
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014
Iran's Enemies
Our enemies want to cement #Iranophobia... to tell the world that we are a danger.. while they are the ones committing crimes in our region.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014They want to spread Iranophobia to scare our neighbors, regional states& d world. We want to tell d world that we are not a danger to anyone
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014
Corruption
On corruption, I have instructed first Vice President to confront corruption & special privileges at their root. Real steps are being taken
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 5, 2014