The rift between Iran's people and government has widened to the extent that it characterizes the Islamic Republic and is the main driving force behind the myriad challenges it currently faces.
The Islamic Republic's leaders have been reluctant to acknowledge division, especially following a resurgence of nationwide protests, but their occasional statements on existing issues indicate a growing awareness of the issue. It suggests.
supreme leader ant Khamenei called on Iranian teachers this week to encourage students to live up to his brand of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism. It was certainly a sign that he knew he was not on the same page as young Iranians who were generally tolerant, tolerant and definitely not anti-Semitic.
A former Iranian minister of higher education, Mostafa Moeen said this based on an extensive study conducted by the government. Regarding general values and attitudes: “60 to 70 percent of Iranians do not trust government institutions, and politicians are among the least trusted people among other Iranians.''
Moeen also cited the survey results, highlighting that 60-70% of Iranians do not trust government-controlled media, including state TV channels, which echo Khamenei's rhetoric. He also pointed out that the survey revealed that distrust of parliament is even higher than the government in general.
Conservative commentator Mohammad Mohajeri says: The main reason for distrust is the government's inability to solve economic problems, but even if this problem were improved, it would not mend the gap between the people and the government.
Mohajeri said the current rift appears to be deepening, and while officials attribute the rift to excessive demands from the people, the people believe that officials consistently ignore national issues. He said that he claimed that Moreover, officials make promises that they cannot fulfill.
He stressed that the Iranian people's distrust of state officials is a long-standing problem and not just a recent event. Mohajeri recalled how observers and experts have warned since the 1990s of a widening gap between the public and authorities and a decline in government social capital.
The conservative commentator added that differences between the people's liberal ideas and the authorities' hardline policies and revolutionary approach contributed to the crisis. Mohajeri said the disputed 2009 presidential election and the subsequent bipolar situation marked a major turning point in the conflict between the people and the government. He was referring to Khamenei's disproportionate support for Ahmadinejad, as the public and moderate politicians claim that Khamenei was elected in a fraudulent election.
He noted that after the 2019 protests, in which government forces killed hundreds of demonstrators, people began a negative campaign to abstain from elections and boycott government-sponsored political rallies. At the same time, the worsening economic crisis and the government's reluctance to implement reforms exacerbated divisions. As a result, society was enveloped in a sense of hopelessness, losing both trust in the government and hope for the future.
meanwhile, Renowned sociologist Amanola Garai told Name News. Tehran's website said the rift between the people and the government was the result of a shrinking middle class in Iran. He said that traditionally the middle class has acted as a shield between the ruling class and the working class.
“Rising prices, inflation and other economic hardships are pushing upper middle class people into the lower socio-economic strata,” Garay said. He elaborated that educated individuals, academics, entrepreneurs and businessmen make up the middle class and convey messages and information to the poorer underclass. When the middle class is dissatisfied, rather than acting as a buffer, they join in the protests and encourage the participation of the lower classes. ”
He added, “Today, there are no barriers to disseminating information, and everyone is aware of what is happening in society. When poor people learn of corruption among those in power, they have no choice but to rebel and protest.'' Stated.
