Iran’s Reformists under pressure to clean house amid criticism of leadership
Harsh criticism of the Reformist camp has led to soul-searching among its members, with institutional reform on the horizon.
Despite mounting criticisms, member of parliament Mohammad Reza Aref — a one-time presidential candidate — was recently re-elected as the chairman of the Reformists’ Supreme Council for Policymaking, an appointment that may widen the gaps within the Reformist camp and further diminish its social capital.
The council was formed in 2015 with the aim of organizing and mobilizing all Reformist groups. The Council for Coordinating the Reforms Front, which includes most of the Reformist parties, had proposed the formation of the aforementioned council to the camp’s leader — former President Mohammad Khatami — leading to the marginalization of a large number of Reformist parties.
The 44 members of the Reformists’ Supreme Council for Policymaking are both representatives of various parties as well as individuals. However, many Reformist parties have refrained from joining the council as they are critical of its structure and chairman.
According to critics, the role of parties has been minimized in the council. Rasoul Montajebnia, a senior Reformist figure, stated last year, "We recognized the council for resolving the disagreement that had erupted [within the camp]. This council was not supposed to … replace the parties."
