Rouhani Pledges to Name Young Cabinet

President Hassan Rouhani, who was reelected in May, has vowed to appoint capable and young ministers, in response to calls for a more efficient Cabinet from his supporters and conservative critics alike.

"We are consulting experts and sitting ministers on choosing the Cabinet members, which is a difficult task for a newly elected government," IRNA quoted Rouhani as telling reporters on the sidelines of a conference to mark the Judiciary Week (June 22-June 28) on Sunday.

Days after Rouhani's reelection, Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Motahhari asked him to consider posts for efficient members of the rival conservative camp who have a proven managerial record. 

This would mean a departure from the normal practice by newly-elected governments, especially when executive power changes hands between reformists and conservatives, to get rid of officials and managers appointed by the predecessor and replace them with political loyalists.

The president stressed the need for closer collaboration and coordination between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government to help crack down on rampant corruption.

He won reelection by securing 57% of the vote, 8 million more than his nearest rival Ebrahim Raeisi who got 15.7 million votes.

Rouhani is scheduled to be sworn into office on August 5. He will have two weeks from the inauguration day to propose his ministers.

The Majlis will spend one week examining the credentials of the nominees before holding confirmation hearings and votes.

In his speech to the conference, Rouhani underlined the judiciary's role in boosting investor confidence, which is essential to boost the economy.

"The judiciary is able to provide the required security for investment to ensure economic recovery," he said.

Rouhani noted that addressing the challenges facing the country demands increased coordination among the three branches of government.

"Issues regarding domestic politics, foreign policy and economic affairs cannot be resolved without cooperation, and whenever we have achieved success, it has been the outcome of interaction among the three powers," he concluded.