Iran considers switching to parliamentary republic

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said last year that the republic should become parliamentary. The idea has provoked discussions in the parliament, Trend reports.

There are tensions between the parliament and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iranian Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani believes that the parliamentary form would be more efficient.

Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, heading the Discernment Council, is opposed to the idea.

A special faction in the parliament was formed to consider the switch. It is discussing the candidates for PM and president. Chairman of the parliamentary commission for planning and budget Shahbaz Hassanpur Ali said that it has discussed the functions of the PM and president.