IRAN:IRAN'S FORMER top nuclear official was yesterday elected parliamentary speaker, a position that offers a platform to curb the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in domestic politics and international diplomacy.
Ali Larijani, who was dismissed by Ahmadinejad last year over differences about Iran's controversial nuclear programme, was elected unopposed.
He has to be confirmed by the new parliament which met for the first time since the March elections on Tuesday.
"Larijani will play an efficient role in domestic politics by keeping a close eye on the government and preventing its wrong-doings," said Mohammad Atrianfar, editor of Shahrvand, the leading reformist weekly.
The last parliament, and its speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, were accused by many conservatives and reformists of giving the government an easy ride.
But the new legislative body is expected to be more hostile to the populist policies of Mr Ahmadinejad as Iran's political forces regroup ahead of next year's presidential election.
Mostafa Tajzadeh, former deputy interior minister, said the election of Larijani could "create a heavy atmosphere against the government which has no choice but to behave itself more".
Larijani, who does not seem to have any ambitions to run for president himself, is said to be seeking a key role in helping gather different conservative forces around one candidate who could challenge Ahmadinejad.
Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, currently mayor of Tehran, seems to be a favourite candidate for moderate conservatives like Larijani.
The speaker of parliament is not normally a powerful figure in Iranian foreign policy.
However, Larijani - one of Iran's best-known officials because of his role in nuclear talks - could be expected to exert more influence. - (Financial Times Service)