The French daily newspaper Le Monde wrote in a report that the protests that have taken shape in Iran in recent days are directly linked to the sharp decline in the value of the rial and soaring prices and have now gone beyond purely economic demands.
A distinguishing feature of this wave of protests is the active presence of bazaar merchants and segments of the core of the country’s economy, a group that usually plays a decisive role in economic and social stability.
The newspaper emphasizes that unlike previous protests, which were mostly identified with the participation of students or elite groups, this time shopkeepers and small-scale economic actors are at the forefront of the protests, a development that experts say could carry more serious consequences for the ruling authorities.
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The report goes on to say that protesters’ slogans in cities have moved beyond economic demands and have clearly taken on a political tone.
Le Monde wrote that direct confrontation with political leaders and opposition to the regional policies of the Iranian regime can be seen among the slogans, a sign of rising anger among the middle class and lower-income segments of society.
The sharp decline in purchasing power, the staggering rise in food prices, and stagnant wages have put the daily lives of millions of Iranians under pressure. Under such conditions, many families have been forced to purchase basic necessities on installment plans.
In the final part of the report, Le Monde does not limit the roots of the crisis solely to internal factors and also points to intensified international sanctions and the recent monetary policies of Iran’s Central Bank as contributing factors. According to the newspaper, some analysts believe these policies have benefited large exporters and institutions close to power more than importers and consumers.
The report ultimately concludes that although some observers consider the immediate collapse of Iran’s political system unlikely, the depth of social discontent and the continuation of economic pressures have cast serious doubt over the country’s prospects for stability.
