It always boils down to the economy in the end; this classic political adage applies in the Near East as the Iranian economy dominates political issues.

• In Iran’s 2009 presidential election, the economy — in terms of the inflation rate, unemployment, and how oil revenue is being spent — is of high priority to most voters.
• Incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his supporters believe that the policies of his first term have improved the daily life of the average Iranian, whereas his three opponents claim that the economy is in a dire situation.
• Ahmadinejad increased pensions and the wages of federal employees; his rivals say that government money, a huge part of which comes from oil revenue, should have been spent on creating jobs and improving the infrastructure of the country.

Facts & Figures

• Iran’s economy expanded by 8.0% in 2007 and 4.5% in 2008, but the IMF projects it will expand by only 3.2% in 2009.
• Unemployment was 10.5% in 2005 and is projected to be 17% in 2009.
• Current inflation is at 23.6%, according to Iran’s Central Bank.

Best Quote

“The problem is that Ahmadinejad has focused on the distribution of wealth, and what we need is the creation of wealth.” — Mr. Saeed Leyaz, Iranian economist