On Wednesday, November 20, nearly 7,000 retired teachers, including thousands of women, converged from all across the country in front of the Iranian regime’s parliament in Tehran and staged a powerful protest. Their rally spotlighted the unfair implementation of the Teacher Ranking Plan and the exclusion of 90% of ranking benefits from retirement pensions.
Carrying banners and chanting fervently, the demonstrators demanded immediate reforms. They decried the regime’s partial enforcement of laws, which they argued has slashed their pensions and perpetuated salary inequities.
Chants of Anguish and Resilience
The protest resounded with slogans that captured their frustration and determination:
“Woe to all this gross injustice!”
“Our outcry to the government: Shame on you!”
“Government officials, have shame! Stop stealing our wages!”
“Lying government, what happened to your promises?”
These cries reflected deep discontent over broken promises and a dire need for systemic change.
A Struggle Against Poverty and Neglect
Retired teachers face grim economic realities, with their pensions amounting to just a quarter of the official poverty line. Many protesters shared harrowing accounts of their struggles, revealing that their meager pensions barely cover basic needs for a week.
Photos on social media depicted retirees enduring freezing nights in Tehran’s parks, having traveled from various cities to join the protest. This resolve underscores the urgency of their demands and the severity of their plight.
Misplaced Priorities: A Nation’s Wealth Squandered
Protesters condemned the regime’s failure to prioritize its people, accusing it of diverting resources to regional conflicts and supporting terrorism. They emphasized that these policies, instead of addressing Iran’s domestic crises, exacerbate public grievances.
A Rising Tide of Resistance
The teachers’ protest is one of many recent demonstrations across Iran, signaling escalating unrest. Experts suggest the regime is approaching a breaking point, with growing public discontent paving the way for potential nationwide uprisings.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), praised the teachers’ courage:
“The continued protests and unity of all sectors of Iranian society have cornered the corrupt clerical regime. These demonstrations echo years of accumulated suffering that can only be alleviated by rising up and overthrowing the mullahs’ regime.”
