Speaking Wednesday at the 21st Shahid Rajaei Festival and the closing ceremony of the evaluation of government agencies’ performance, Pezeshkian praised various segments of society for standing firm during the recent war.

“People stood against aggression, bullying and injustice,” he said, noting that merchants, workers, students and scientists remained in the field despite the difficulties they faced.

Pezeshkian also honored the memory of former presidents Mohammad Ali Rajaei and Mohammad Javad Bahonar, saying they taught officials that distancing themselves from the people is a mistake.

“People are the country’s capital, and all officials are servants of the people,” he said. He added that the country’s current difficulties stem from severe pressure imposed on Iran, but the public has not allowed its adversaries to achieve their objectives.

Capable People Must Be Given Opportunities

Pezeshkian emphasized that government responsibilities should be assigned based on merit rather than personal or political connections.

“Responsibilities should not be given to people simply because they are friends or associates of an individual or group,” he said. “If people see capable and competent individuals taking responsibility, they will always support the country’s power and government.”

He said empowering qualified people is essential to national development and would create opportunities for young people, civil servants, workers and experts.

“Opportunities must be available to everyone, and management appointments should be based on capability and commitment,” Pezeshkian said.

Criticizing restrictive approaches in the management system, he said talent cannot flourish under closed-minded policies that limit people to tasks dictated by their managers.

“Such an approach means killing ideas and creativity and undermining people’s convictions,” he said.

Pezeshkian said overcoming the country’s current challenges requires effort and sound judgment.

“We will try to overcome these crises through careful planning,” he said, adding that some parties do not want Iran to become a powerful country. However, he said coordination among the heads of the three branches of government, along with guidance from the supreme leader, can help Iran move forward.

Oil Companies Honored for Service

During the ceremony, attended by Pezeshkian and the head of the Administrative and Employment Organization, Abbas Asdrouz, CEO of the National Iranian Oil Terminals Co., was honored in the “Dawn of Sacrifice” category.

The National Iranian Oil Products Refining and Distribution Co. was also recognized in the “People’s Supporter” category for maintaining essential services and ensuring that people’s lives and daily activities did not come to a halt.