Monday, August 31, 2009

President Ahmadinejad Criticised as He Puts Together New Cabinet

TIMES ONLINE: The cracks in Iran’s political establishment became clear yesterday as conservatives came out strongly against President Ahmadinejad’s choices for Cabinet.

In the first day of confirmation proceedings in parliament, MPs repeatedly questioned the President’s picks, accusing him of choosing unquestioning loyalists over those properly qualified for the job.

Mr Ahmadinejad is tasked with forming a new Government amid unprecedented opposition following his disputed election victory. He has been under assault from reformist minded rivals and mass public opposition since the election but in recent weeks conservatives have joined the open defiance, voicing their anger at his monopolisation of key Government posts.

MPs from both sides joined in the attack in the first day of what looks to be a deeply contentious confirmation process ending with a vote on Tuesday. >>> Catherine Philp, Diplomatic Correspondent | Monday, August 31, 2009