Parliament Approves Rouhani's Pick for Science Minister
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian parliament on Wednesday concluded a vote of confidence in President Hassan Rouhani’s 5th nominee for the minister of science.
In an open session of the parliament on Wednesday morning, the lawmakers finally approved Mohammad Farhadi as the minister of sciences, research, and technology with 197 votes in favor, 28 against, and 10 abstentions from a total of 235 votes.
President Rouhani personally attended the parliament’s session to defend his proposed nominee.
Farhadi was the third consecutive pick after the parliament voted out former minister, Reza Faraji-Dana, in August.
The lawmakers had already dismissed Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabadi and Fakhroddin Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani in a vote of no-confidence which underscored the great sensitivities to the post.
Under the Iranian Constitution, lawmakers can impeach an individual minister when they deem it necessary. An impeachment motion can be submitted when it has at least ten signatures.
