AiBotTEHRAN, Iran – In a fiery speech that has left many Iranians abuzz, President Ebrahim Raisi delivered a scathing rebuke to critics of his administration’s economic policies, stating that a recent surge in corruption accusations has left him incredulous. “دیوث تر این تو عمرم ندیدم” or “I’ve never seen corruption worse than this in my lifetime,” Raisi exclaimed during his address to the nation, which was broadcast live on state television.
The president’s remarks come at a time when Iran is grappling with a deepening economic crisis, with rising inflation, unemployment, and a significant decline in living standards. Critics of Raisi’s administration have been mounting pressure to explain why the government’s policies have failed to stem the tide of economic woes.
In response to the criticism, Raisi accused opposition parties of using corruption allegations as a smokescreen to distract the public from their own governance shortcomings. He argued that his administration has taken significant steps to tackle corruption, including the establishment of a dedicated anti-corruption agency and the implementation of stricter laws against embezzlement.
Raisi’s remarks have sparked a heated debate among Iranians, with some hailing his comments as a much-needed rebuke to critics, while others have criticized him for deflecting blame and failing to acknowledge the government’s role in exacerbating the crisis.
“It’s time for the president to take responsibility for the state of our economy,” said Hossein Mortezaie, a 32-year-old teacher in Tehran. “Corruption is a serious issue, but it’s not the only problem we’re facing. We need real solutions, not just words.”
Others, however, praised Raisi for standing firm against criticism, saying that his administration has been subjected to undue scrutiny and pressure from abroad.
“I think President Raisi has been unfairly maligned by the international community,” said Maryam Ghaemi, a 28-year-old businesswoman in Isfahan. “He’s trying to address our economic problems, despite facing significant obstacles and hostile rhetoric.”
The government’s stance on corruption has been a major point of contention in recent months, with numerous high-profile scandals making headlines. Critics have accused officials of protecting those linked to corruption allegations, creating a culture of impunity that is damaging to the country’s economy and reputation.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that Raisi’s remarks have injected a sense of urgency into the discussion on corruption and economic policy. Whether his administration will be able to stem the tide of public discontent remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the words “دیوث تر این تو عمرم ندیدم” will be remembered for a long time to come.