In other news…

While the country has been struggling to deal with #coronavirus outbreak, the race within conservative principlists over who should become speaker in the next parliament has heated up and fmr. Tehran Mayor Bagher Qalibaf might be the loser.

#Thread

1/12 While, fmr Tehran Mayer Bagher Qalibaf has set sight on the parliament’s speaker seat, other prominent figures including Mostafa Mirsalim has been working behind the scene to push their candidacy.

2/12 According to reformist Shargh daily, Morteza Aghatehrani and Alireza Zakani from ultra conserve Paydari front have been sneakily lobbying to pave the way for their own candidate.

3/12 Despite growing calls to observe social distancing measures, Qaliabaf took part in a meeting with a group of MPs from Northern provinces last week.

4/12 Last Friday, another meeting was held with a group of MPs-elect in 11th parliament that head of Qalibaf campaign, and Mohsen Rezaei from the Expediency Council gave speeches.

5/12 According to reformist Etemad daily, organizers' main emphasis in that meeting was to keep the remarks and statements of those present confidential. http://www.etemadnewspaper.ir/fa/Main/Detail/145352/%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%88%D9%84%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%8A-%D9%88-%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A

6/ Shargh adds ultraconservatives in Paydari front seek to block Qalibaf’s bid to become parliament speaker & as a result crush his dream and chances of running in 2021 presidential election. That's why the title of the editorial is "A trap for Qalibaf". http://sharghdaily.com/fa/Main/Detail/262310

7/12 As part of those efforts, they are lobbying to force Qalibaf to sign a commitment to remain an MP until the end of his term in parliament. Qalibaf reportedly has been trying to avoid that scenario.

8/12 They had already had some frictions ahead of Feb. parliamentary election and Paydari front also sought to prevent Qalibaf’s name to appear in a joint list of conservative candidates from Tehran.

9/12 If they succeed Qalibaf, will lose the opportunity to become parliament speaker and as a result prepare himself for presidential election. He will also lose the chance to face off president Rouhani and take him to task during his term in office.
https://mohammadhashemi.net/the-impact-of-irans-next-parliament-on-tehrans-future-political-and-security-behavior/

10/12 That’s why according to Shargh daily, Qalibaf and his team have been lobbying to defuse efforts by Paydari front.

11/12 Another rival is Mostafa Mirsalim who has the least chance to secure majority of votes in the parliament in his favor.

12/12 However it seems some pro-Rouhani reformists prefer Mirsalam as parliament speaker. Shargh speculates that an interview that reformist paper Sazandegi did with Mirsalim might be a good indication in that regard.
https://sazandeginews.com/News/7055