Rouhani says has no plan to cut monthly cash subsidies

Rouhani, however, argued that the increase in monthly cash handouts promised by other candidates will rise inflation rate to above 50%.

Candidates have to clarify the financial resources from which they want to provide the costs of increased cash subsidies, Rouhani said.

“We tripled the pension paid to low-income people,” said Rouhani, who is also the incumbent Iranian president, in defense of his government’s economic record. “We are pursuing a comprehensive social security system.”

The government is proud to open the oil export market, Rouhani said, adding,” We took back our (oil) market from Saudi Arabia. All OPEC member countries reduced their oil production except Iran.”

On ways to curb goods smuggling, he said that high-quality production, free competition and letting private sector step in will prevent smuggling.

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