A little reminder of where Iran stands economically in the region, at least according to the 2016 indicators as cited by The World Bank:
Iran is the second largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region after Saudi Arabia, with an estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 of US$412.2 billion. It also has the second largest population of the region after Egypt, with an estimated 78.8 million people in 2015. Iran’s economy is characterized by the hydrocarbon sector, agriculture and services sectors, and a noticeable state presence in manufacturing and financial services. Iran ranks second in the world in natural gas reserves and fourth in proven crude oil reserves. Economic activity and government revenues still depend to a large extent on oil revenues and therefore remain volatile.
Here is a picture of the stage with the six candidates.
The candidates are: incumbent President Hassan Rohani, a reformist; conservative cleric and former prosecutor Ebrahim Raisi; Tehran Mayor and former police chief Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf; reformist First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a Rohani ally; conservative former Culture Minister Mostafa Mirsalim; and former Iranian National Olympic Committee head Mostafa Hashemitaba, a centrist.
The moderator says the debate will focus on social issues. The state TV had originally said that the focus would be on socioeconomic issues.
Here are some of the social and economic issues that are likely to arise in the April 28 debate and throughout the campaign.
Talking Points: Social, Economic Issues Focus Of First Iran Debate
A few hours before the debate, Tehran’s Friday prayers Leader hard-line Ayatollah Khatami said that candidates should have the interests of the establishment in mind while debating. He added that comments that weaken the establishment are considered haram.
Mostafa Mirsalim,former culture minister, was drawn to be the first to speak in today's debate.
Mirsalim was asked about what to do about poor people living in the margins of big cities.
Mostafa Hashemitaba is next. He ran in 2001 and finished 10th, winning a paltry 28,000 votes.
President Hassan Rohani is the third candidate to answer the moderator's question about poor people living in the outskirts of big cities. He says unemployment is a major factor.