Reformists Not Seeking Cabinet Share

A reformist lawmaker said the camp is not seeking a share in President Hassan Rouhani's second Cabinet and its only consideration is that would-be ministers be capable of boosting Iran's development. Behrouz Bonyadi made the statement in a talk with ISNA on Monday, following a Wednesday meeting between senior members of the reformist-moderate faction with Rouhani on the Cabinet lineup. In the Wednesday meeting, Bonyadi said they only discussed the criteria for selecting a Cabinet member and no names were mentioned. Bonyadi said people who voted for Rouhani were attracted to his promises of "taking the path of rationality, engaging with the world and tackling economic difficulties." If those who join the Cabinet are not in tune with these goals, the development of the country will face obstacles," he said. The newly reelected Rouhani is preparing to announce his ministerial nominees on the inauguration day, August 5. Rouhani has vowed to pick a "young and inclusive" Cabinet, reportedly saying that more than 50% of the incumbent ministers will be replaced. The induction of women ministers is also anticipated.