In a speech to clergy, Mr Rouhani said a strong government was not one that "limits the lives of the people".
He earlier called on Twitter for internet access to be freed up and for state media to report Iran's problems.
Mr Rouhani was considered politically the most moderate of the contenders in last month's presidential election, which he won with 50.7% of the vote.
He is due to be sworn in on 3 August, after the result has been ratified by the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. » | Wednesday, July 03, 2013
