Economy Remains No. 1 Focus for Rouhani Emboldened by Polls

BLOOMBERG

BY LADANE NASSERI AND GOLNAR MOTEVALLI

President Hassan Rouhani and his allies in Iran’s new parliament will set their sights on rebuilding the economy rather than risking the ire of hard-liners by advancing more liberal political and social change.

Reformist and moderate candidates supportive of Rouhani’s plan to overhaul the sanctions-damaged economy with the help of foreign investment were on course for their best showing in more than a decade after the Feb. 26 election, according to state-run media. Voters brought to an end the overwhelming majority in the 290-member house enjoyed by conservatives who remain deeply suspicious of efforts to develop ties with the West.

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