Iran: Absence of Raisi Casts Shadow Over Parliament Opening Session

Iranian lawmakers attend the inauguration session for the new Parliament in Tehran on May 27, 2024. (Photo by AFP)

Iranian lawmakers swore their oath as Parliament's twelfth session began in Tehran amid tight security. The mood, however, was somber due to the loss of President Ebrahim Raisi.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged unity, advising against pointless competition and political bickering. He also warned against overspending on projects beyond the budget.
The Parliament’s opening session was attended by dignitaries, diplomats, and foreign ambassadors, following the recent mourning period for Raisi and seven others who died in a helicopter crash.
Several high-ranking Iranian officials such as the chief judiciary, former parliament speakers, a representative of the Supreme Leader, ministers, and the interim president, Mohammed Mokhber also took part in the opening ceremony.
Iran’s IRNA news agency reported heightened security measures around Tehran’s Baharestan area, where Parliament is located.
Two black flags were positioned alongside the Iranian flag and the parliamentary emblem.
Additionally, two vacant seats were left at the guests’ location, bearing the images of Raisi and the late Iranian top diplomat, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, as reported by the government-affiliated ISNA agency.
Iranian television broadcasted footage showing some officials in tears during the airing of memorial segments for Raisi.
According to the law, the two oldest legislators of this term of the parliament were presented as speaker and vice speaker of the opening session.
This week, Parliament will discuss internal elections for a 12-member presiding board and committee heads.
The current Parliament, much like the previous one, is dominated by conservatives, with limited competition from reformist camps in the recent legislative elections.
The Parliament’s opening session kicked off with the customary reading of a statement from Iran’s Supreme Leader, delivered by his chief office holder, Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani.
Khamenei expressed satisfaction with the Parliament starting on time and emphasized the importance of a balanced mix of experienced and new members.
He encouraged cooperation with other authorities and stressed the need for Parliament to promote peace, hope, and unity.
Khamenei cautioned against wasting time on media battles and political conflicts, warning that such distractions could lead to significant losses.