"The Iranian government is attempting risky economic concessions as it tries to meet the escalating demands of protesters seeking fundamental political change, a clampdown on corruption and an easing of the squeeze on living standards of the poor. Now entering their ninth day, the protests have spread to 26 of Iran's 31 provinces, with a US-based human rights group claiming that the death toll has passed 20 and nearly 1,000 people have been arrested."
"A switch in the system of foreign exchange subsidies announced by Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, may lead to a short-term rise in food prices, but is intended to be ameliorated by a new system of direct subsidies to consumers. Previously the subsidies were given to those importing products from abroad through exchange rate subsidies. But the decade-old system was wide open for corruption and leakage. Official figures released on Monday showed that inflation had reached 52.6% in December."
Iran is experiencing nationwide protests driven by runaway inflation, a collapsing rial and allegations of corruption, spreading to 26 provinces and over 100 towns and cities. Official figures show inflation at 52.6% in December, and human rights groups report more than 20 dead and nearly 1,000 arrested. The government announced a shift from exchange-rate import subsidies to direct consumer subsidies, which may temporarily raise food prices but aims to reduce corruption. Security forces have arrested students and the judiciary has warned that concessions are over, blaming foreign interference; the US has publicly pledged support for protesters.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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