Iran’s parliament approves President Raisi’s conservative cabinet

All except one of Iranian president’s cabinet member picks were approved with overwhelming support by parliament.

Tehran, Iran – Iran’s hardline parliament has voted to approve almost all of President Ebrahim Raisi’s cabinet picks, signalling the formation of his “revolutionary” administration that faces a plethora of political, economic and social challenges. The parliament approved 18 of Raisi’s 19-member roster of ministers on Wednesday. Only Raisi’s pick for education minister, the young, inexperienced Hossein Baghgoli, was rejected by lawmakers, who approved Raisi’s picks with overwhelming majorities. About half of the new ministers come from former hardline administrations, many of them sanctioned by the United States. One is wanted by Interpol, and several have military backgrounds. Not a single woman is included in the cabinet.