A Promise and Nothing More
A Promise and Nothing More
140 days have passed since Masoud Pezeshkian’s presidency began. Mr. Pezeshkian, who entered the field with slogans such as transparency, reforming flawed structures, and lifting censorship, managed to gain the trust of a portion of the people.
But today, after this period, one of his most basic promises, namely lifting censorship, remains just words.
This delay has not only led to public frustration and dissatisfaction but also raises the question of whether a government that has not succeeded in fulfilling a relatively simple promise is capable of tackling deeper and broader challenges facing the country.
Lifting censorship is not just a social demand but an economic necessity.
In an era where the digital economy is becoming one of the driving engines of economic growth for countries, imposing unnecessary restrictions on the internet has put thousands of online businesses in crisis and undermined public trust.
Lifting censorship could have been one of the first steps by the government to demonstrate its determination to bring about positive changes, but a 140-day delay in this matter does not send a good message to the people.
Pezeshkian’s government faces challenges much larger than lifting censorship, from imbalances in the energy sector to financial crises, rampant inflation, and diplomatic issues, each requiring strong management and bold decision-making.
But when a government faces such a delay in fulfilling a promise that does not directly require complex structural reforms, how can it gain the people’s trust that it will succeed in facing larger crises?
The main problem, however, is not only the delay in fulfilling promises but also the lack of transparency in explaining the reasons for these delays, which adds to the concerns. People have the right to know why a promise that was given with confidence has not been fulfilled after 140 days.
Are there political obstacles? Have internal disagreements prevented decision-making? Or perhaps the government is suffering from weaknesses and inefficiencies in its planning? Whatever it is, the lack of transparency fuels public distrust.
On the other hand, lifting censorship could have been a symbolic step to demonstrate the government’s approach to larger issues, but now this delay has raised concerns instead of hope.
Concerns about whether the government has the ability to tackle the country’s structural and chronic crises, whether it can manage deep imbalances in the energy and economic sectors, and whether it can guide Iran from the difficult path it is on towards stability and development.
140 days was enough time to take the initial steps and build public trust.
People do not expect all of the country’s decades-old problems to be solved in this period, but they do expect at least the first steps to be taken towards improving conditions, actions that show the government is serious and has a strong will for change.
Mr. President, time is passing, and public trust is easily lost. If there are obstacles in fulfilling promises, be honest with the people.
Transparency and honesty are the greatest assets you can use to gain the people’s cooperation.
But if your government remains silent and hesitant, this golden opportunity will turn into a serious threat to your political future. People are waiting for tangible actions, not repeated and unfulfilled promises.