In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master and our Prophet, Abul Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his untainted, pure, chosen Progeny, particularly the Remnant of God on earth.
Welcome to the Hussainiyah attributed and dedicated to our magnanimous Imam [Khomeini]. Welcome to this gathering. May your presence in the Islamic Consultative Majlis [Iranian Parliament] — which is a very important, sensitive position — be a source of blessing, grace, and divine mercy for you, the country, and the people. I would like to thank Mr. Ghalibaf, the honorable Speaker of the Parliament. He mentioned some very good points, some of which I will also be discussing [today].
Many things have been said about the Parliament — reminders, recommendations, and criticisms at times — but there are still matters that have not been discussed. And there are also matters that are worth repeating. There is no harm in repeating certain things. Therefore, I have made a note of a few points that I would like to share with my dear brothers and sisters.
The Parliament is not just an institution for questioning others. Rather, it’s also an institution that is accountable. [This is] contrary to the belief of many who imagine that the Parliament [only] issues orders to the government by passing laws and then asks questions [about what they’ve done], impeaches, and whatnot. [They believe] the Parliament is [only] an institution for questioning. Yes, these duties do exist but it is also accountable. The Parliament is one of the pillars of the country. It is a decision-making body. It is an institution that takes action. Any group or individual who makes decisions and takes action is also accountable. Therefore, the Parliament must always bear in mind its own accountability.
There are responsibilities the Parliament must carry out. If it fails to do these, it will be questioned. There are things that it should avoid doing. If it does those things, it will be met with criticism. To whom is the Parliament accountable? First and foremost, to God. We are believers. We know the day will come when we will be questioned about the details of our actions and deeds. You are accountable for any law that you enact or ratify or any decree that you sign. We must all think about this great responsibility. This responsibility is to God, and it is greater and more serious than all other responsibilities and questionings and worthy of greater attention. And then [the Parliament is accountable] to the people.
Now, if the people see the Parliament does something that is contrary to what is expected from it, the people won’t confront the Parliament. That is, there is no legal mechanism for them to do so. However, one can gauge their satisfaction or dissatisfaction based on their behavior, attitude, and reactions.
Over the past few decades, we have witnessed parliaments engaging in actions that people did not approve of and did not like. The result was that the individuals who had done these actions fell out of favor with the public. We have experienced and observed such things throughout the years. Every single esteemed member of the Parliament must heed this principle of “accountability.” They should adjust their conduct, talk, speech, votes, and the stances they take to be in line with this principle. This was the first point.
The second point concerns cooperation between the branches of government. The Parliament is an important part of the country's political system. It is self-evident that the various parts of the system must work together to form a “whole” or a “unified entity.” This means that the legislative branch, the executive branch, the judicial branch, and the Armed Forces — which is in a sense a part of the executive branch — must together form a whole. If a whole is to be formed from these entities, then they must interact, cooperate, assist one another, and at times overlook each other’s faults, give reminders to each other, and provide mutual support. Now, we may discuss some examples of this in the course of our discussion.
The reason I have always recommended that parliaments cooperate with administrations over the years is because — and this is very important — this collective body, which is formed from the votes, hearts, and opinions of the entire country, must be able to play a role in creating the cohesive whole that our country, our people, and our system require. Of course, I make the same recommendation to administrations as well. Fortunately, the President [-elect] is also present [here today] as a member of the Parliament. I don’t know whether he is still legally a member of the Parliament or not; but nevertheless, he is present here today.
I always give recommendations to administrations about the Parliament. At times, the behavior of some administrations toward the Parliament was such that they wouldn’t submit bills. Members of the Parliament would complain to me that they had been waiting for months, but the administration wasn’t submitting bills or implementing legislation that had been passed. We have experienced such cases in our government administrations. We have always given recommendations to them too. After all, as our dear esteemed brothers and sisters who are members of the Parliament, one of your important tasks is interaction.
A strong recommendation that I have noted here is that there should be constructive cooperation with the new administration. Everyone should help the elected president fulfill his duties to the country. If we can work in a way that helps the president succeed, this success belongs to all of us. If he is successful in managing the country’s affairs, in improving the country’s economy, in the country’s international affairs, and in country’s cultural issues, then we are all successful. His victory is everyone's victory. We must truly have a firm belief in this.
One voice should be heard from the country in important matters. In important matters, which you must identify of course, there are occasions when the administration, the Parliament, and various officials must all say the same thing so that those around the world who are listening carefully to find signs of division and discord will be disappointed. One [unified] voice should be heard.
The third point is related to the rule of ethics in public debates in the Parliament. My dear [members of the Parliament]! The Parliament should serve as a center for spreading and bringing calm and reassurance to the public’s thinking in the country. You should emit waves of positivity from the Parliament to the people. The Parliament shouldn’t increase tension in the public’s thinking. [This includes] painting a black picture and spreading negativity, which has sometimes been done by certain members in some [parliamentary] sessions. Of course, the majority of members have consistently adhered to these important, valid principles. I truly say this with all honesty. It’s the truth.
However, there have also been instances where the opposite has been observed. [This is true] not just in the Parliament, but also in public gatherings. Many of you are present in public gatherings, in Friday Prayers, before sermons in different cities, or in the social media, which governs many people’s activities today. Your presence in these places should bring reassurance. It shouldn’t bring division. Wherever you speak, wherever you say something, and wherever you give an opinion, your audience should feel confident that you are an advocate of unity, consensus, cooperation, and understanding between all parties. You shouldn’t send a message that contradicts this. This safeguards the emotional security of the people, which is an important matter.
Of course, we mustn’t be heedless either. I firmly believe and am aware that the enemy's cyber army is waiting for opportunities to take advantage. Sometimes they may insult you under the guise of your political rivals in order to make you angry. Or they may insult a person you respect or an honorable religious or political figure in order to provoke you. This happens, and we need to pay attention to this. So not everything you see in the social media that is against your views is necessarily posted by someone who is your political rival or opponent. No, it’s possible a mutual enemy may have posted it.
The fourth point pertains to legislation. Well, legislation is an important, primary duty of the Islamic Consultative Parliament. [Passing] laws are like the laying of tracks or the creation of a roadmap for the operation of the country's executive powers. That's what laws are. The goal of the law should be established and understood to be the advancement of the country and the provision of services to the people.
A good law has certain characteristics. One of the characteristics of a good law is that it should be based on the opinion of experts. Of course, I am aware that the Research Center of the Parliament is doing good work and that various experts are invited to committees. We are aware of these. The more a law is based on the opinion of experts, the better it will be. This is one of the characteristics [of a good law].
The second [characteristic of a good law] is that it should be unambiguous. A law that is not clear and can be interpreted in different ways can be exploited by those who are looking for ways to abuse it. I have referred to such people as "lawbreakers who know the law." Don't let this happen. Make laws unambiguous and clear.
[The third characteristic is that] a law should be feasible given the country's capacity. Sometimes the Parliament passes a law that the government is unable to implement. In other words, the country's resources and capabilities, either due to budget constraints or various other issues, are unable to bear this burden. This also needs to be taken into account. Laws should be in line with higher legal documents. This is one of the points that is necessary for sound legislation. That is, ensuring it’s compatible with higher legal documents. There shouldn’t be conflicts [between laws].
Another issue regarding laws is that there shouldn’t be redundancy. I will elaborate on the issue of redundancy later. Redundancy in legal matters is one of our problems. Sometimes multiple laws are passed on a single matter where commonalities and differences exist, then these differences can be exploited very much by people who abuse the law.
Redundancy in laws is truly a problematic issue for the country. Now, sometimes it is suggested that we should urge the Parliament to sit down and resolve the redundancy in laws. [However], my concern is that this process would consume half the Parliament’s term! But in any case, you need to be careful of this aspect in passing laws.
So, let me address the point I mentioned earlier. The Constitution grants the Parliament the authority to submit proposals. This means that you can submit bills on important matters when no government bill exists. Bills are a good thing, but if we go to extremes in submitting them — and I’ve been informed of some cases where the number of submitted bills has become excessive, but it isn’t necessary for me to give numbers here — that in itself will create problems.
As soon as a problem arises in the country, instead of waiting for a legal bill and following the government's actions, we immediately prepare a bill! This itself leads to redundancy in laws. In other words, we must truly limit ourselves when submitting bills to the bare minimum and not more. If it exceeds this, one of the causes leading to redundancy in laws is the submission of bills. Now that you have entered the Parliament, [you will see that] there are many bills that will take years to be processed, promulgated, and so on. This is another issue.
Of course, another thing to remember about the law is that sometimes administrations require legal provisions for urgent matters. This has happened for us on many occasions. An urgent issue may arise in international relations, in a fundamental economic matter, or in a construction matter that requires immediate action, but there is no law in place for it. In such cases, administrations [often] take the easy route. They come to us asking for the Leader’s permission to proceed with measures lacking legal authorization.
However, I usually refrain from doing that except when necessary in urgent situations. In such cases in urgent matters, it is advisable for the Parliament to expedite the legislative process in response to the administration’s request. This is another recommendation about the law.
Of course, you know that the general policies related to legislation were promulgated a long time ago. In order for these policies to be implemented, legislation is required. The Parliament itself must enact laws for these policies. This enactment of legislation has not yet been carried out, but it should be done soon. This is the fourth point.
The fifth point is about supervision. Of course, the term "supervision" is not mentioned in the Constitution. There is nothing with the title of "Parliamentary Supervision." However, the numerous rulings regarding questioning, warnings, investigations, and inspections by the Parliament indicate the necessity of supervision. In other words, why do you conduct investigations, ask questions, or issue reminders? To gain information. Therefore, supervision of the executive branch is one of the duties of the Parliament. I have two points to make in this regard.
The first point to note is that the purpose of supervision is to “increase the efficiency of the administration.” This means that if there are problems with the administration’s performance, you the Parliament should identify, distinguish, and point them out in order to improve the efficiency of the administration and ensure progress. This is the objective of supervision. It should not be, God forbid, for any reason other than this. For instance, suppose someone has a problem with a minister, so they make remarks, continuously question them, or even seek their dismissal and similar actions. Factional differences, personal differences, and political differences should definitely not interfere [in your decisions]. The sole purpose of supervision should be for when there’s a perceived deficiency in the executive branch. The goal is to mention and bring attention to the deficiency in order to make efforts to resolve it. This is one point regarding supervision.
Another point regarding supervision is that we shouldn’t be either overly vigilant or neglectful. Sometimes due to certain considerations, there is no supervision where there should be. This too is wrong. Sometimes, there is excessive supervision and continuous questioning. I would like to mention something about these years when I have held responsibilities. Now that I think about it, ministers have come to me and complained about the abundance of questions from the Parliament in almost all administrations.
They would say that when we were taken to the floor of the Parliament or to the commissions, they took hours of our time to question us, to cross-question us, and so on. This shouldn’t become extreme. Of course, there shouldn’t be neglect either. That is, where you are required to ask questions, where you need to exercise supervision, you should do so, but it should be fair. Supervision should be conducted fairly, without personal and political considerations being involved.
And now for the sixth point. A committee was formed in the Parliament to oversee the performance of its members. Those who have been in the Parliament for a while will remember that a recommendation was made at one point, and the members promptly established a committee to oversee the performance of the members. What’s the purpose of that committee? The purpose of that committee is that sometimes a member of the Parliament, out of negligence or for whatever other reason, does something that creates doubts about all 290 representatives.
In other words, because of the actions of one individual, an entire Parliament falls out of favor with the people. This shouldn’t happen, and this must be prevented. If it was impossible to prevent something, it should be remedied. This is important. We’ve been unable to perceive or understand whether the work being carried out by this committee is as it should be and if it’s at the level that was anticipated. This is my next recommendation.
The seventh point is regarding the role of the Parliament in global issues and matters related to foreign policy. The Parliament is a powerful leverage that governments around the world use in their negotiations, interactions, and cooperative efforts. When a point is raised at the negotiating table during negotiations, the response of the other party may be, " Our Parliament won’t allow us to do that. We have laws that don’t allow us to do that." They use the Parliament as a backing for them in negotiations.
In the face of the various challenges that arise for government administrations — and it’s only natural that the administration may face challenges in various matters — the Parliament can empower the administration and support it. Therefore, your presence in political and international affairs and in diplomatic matters is important. One example of a good initiative was the Strategic Action Law. This was one of the very good initiatives taken. Of course, certain individuals made objections and criticized it. [But] those criticisms were totally unfounded. It was a very good initiative.
This presence [of the Parliament] can be highly effective. Now, there are various ways to establish this presence. Sometimes, for example, it can be through trips and meetings made by the Speaker of the Parliament, like Mr. Ghalibaf's recent trip (to participate in the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg on July 11, 2024). This trip was both beneficial and productive, and the respected administration can benefit greatly from it.
Or during the trips that the inter-parliamentary delegations of the Parliament take, or even without those things, a statement can be issued. Suppose, for example, there is an issue such as the issue of Palestine or Gaza. If you issue a statement, it will have a significant impact on this matter in the global public sphere. Or even if a statement is not issued, sometimes certain remarks by members [can have an impact.] I have occasionally expressed my expectations in this regard. In some cases, it is expected that members of the Parliament will speak up and make a speech on a certain important foreign policy issue. This is a common practice all over the world.
For example, the head of the Foreign Policy Commission may say something that gains global attention. Parliaments take many actions and governments use the support of parliamentary measures. The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act — known as "CISADA" — was approved by the US Congress. Of course, the Democratic president at the time [Barack Obama] was a two-faced, ill-intentioned person. He was both two-faced, ill-intentioned, and clever. He was more clever than some of our officials. We can sometimes truly see this in certain interactions. He signed it [the CISADA].
He could have refused to sign it. He claimed that he wanted to cooperate and work with Iran on issues like the nuclear issue, but he signed it anyway! Their parliaments enacted a comprehensive law. Parliaments do these things. Therefore, the Parliament can be active in this area.
On the topic of sanctions, which are frequently discussed — especially during the elections and this matter was repeated in various statements by election candidates, their supporters, the people, and so on — the Parliament can be actively present and truly influential. We can. We have the ability to remove sanctions through honorable means. And even higher than that is neutralizing them.
I have repeatedly stated that lifting the sanctions is not in your hands. You should think and find ways. Lifting sanctions is in the hands of the opposing party. However, neutralizing sanctions is in your hands. There are effective strategies for neutralizing sanctions, some of which we have already implemented and we have witnessed their positive outcomes. Government officials have used effective strategies, and we have seen very positive results from them doing so. This is a feasible approach. The Parliament, our valuable Parliament, can play an important role in this endeavor.
The eighth and final point regarding the immediate actions that must be taken by the Parliament is voting on the cabinet that Mr. Pezeshkian (may God protect him) will, God willing, present to the Parliament. This is something you need to do immediately. Of course, the sooner the proposed cabinet is approved and the administration begins its work — after completing the necessary procedures — the better it will be for the country. However, both you and the esteemed, elected President have important responsibilities in this matter.
Who is going to be a leader in the field of economics, in the field of culture, in the field of construction activities, and in the field of production? Who is going to be a leader in these fields? A person should be chosen to be a leader who is “trustworthy,” “honest,” “religious,” and has “a firm belief in the Islamic Republic and the Islamic system.” “Faith” is an important criterion.
“Being optimistic about the future” and having a positive outlook are other important criteria. Those who see the future to be dark and believe that nothing can be done cannot be given important, key responsibilities. “Adhering to Islamic laws” and being pious is another important criterion. “A reputation for integrity and honesty” is another criterion. These criteria must be observed. Both the respected President and the Parliament must adhere to these criteria. In other words, you have a shared responsibility in choosing the country's officials. They [the country’s officials] shouldn’t have a “bad record.” This is another criterion.
They should have a “national perspective.” I mean they shouldn’t be immersed in factional and political matters. Rather, they should have a national outlook about the country. They should also be “competent,” and this can be understood through research. While competency can often be understood after they start to work, it can also be assessed through research, examining their record, and listening to their statements. These things are essential.
In my opinion, this is a very important responsibility that rests upon both your shoulders and those of the esteemed President. God willing, a good, competent, useful, pious, revolutionary cabinet of ministers will come to work and be able to move forward on the issues of the country. This is our prayer and our hope. I pray for all of you, including the President-elect, the esteemed members of the Parliament, and the Speaker of the Parliament. This has always been my prayer. Regardless of who the President is, who the Speaker of the Parliament is, or who the Head of the Judiciary is, they are always included in my prayers. May you all be successful, God willing.
Gaza is still the Islamic world’s number one issue. With regard to the matters I’ve mentioned to the Parliament about foreign affairs, diplomatic activities, and so on, one example of such matters is the issue of Gaza. Don’t become indifferent [about Gaza]; don’t remain silent. This work is important. It’s true that as the months have passed, the initial enthusiasm has waned in many people. But the fact of the matter is that it’s just as important today as it was in the beginning, if not more.
The Resistance’s power is becoming increasingly evident every day. A mighty military, political, and economic power like the United States is supporting the usurping Zionist regime and they are fighting a resistance group. Yet, they have been unable to bring it to its knees. Since they cannot bring Hamas to its knees, since they cannot bring the Resistance to its knees, they are venting their frustrations on civilians. They are dropping bombs on people, schools, hospitals, children, and women. The worst crimes and savagery are being committed before the eyes of the world. Throughout the world, people’s judgment is actually against the evil, usurping [Zionist] regime now. This issue isn’t over and is still continuing. Remain active, God willing.
I hope that Almighty God will bring about what is best for Islam and Muslims, as well as what is good for you and our nation, God willing. May we have the ability to at least justify our actions before Almighty God, and may we be able to defend our actions before Him.
May God protect all of you, God willing. May the pure soul of the magnanimous Imam [Khomeini] and the pure souls of the martyrs be pleased with us. May the sacred heart of the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for him) be pleased and satisfied with us, God willing.
May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
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