Middle East Economic Survey

VOL. LIII

No 2

11-Jan-2010

IRAN

Majlis Approves Subsidies Bill By Slim Majority

The Iranian Majlis (parliament) 0n 5 January ratified President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads subsidies reduction bill by a slim majority of 134 votes out of 243 deputies. This bill proposes to reduce government expenses by up to 30% of its annual budget, and will next be sent for the approval of the Guardian Council. It calls for the gradual removal of all state subsidies on the prices of oil, gas,...