(Tehran) – Hasan Rohani took office as Iran’s president succeeding Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed him. The start of Rohani’s presidency puts an end to Ahmedinejad’s eight years in office. Rohani faces huge challenges, including combating inflation he put last month at 42 per cent, bringing down high unemployment and bridging the political divisions between conservative, moderate and reformist factions.
His most immediate test is persuading parliament to approve his candidates for cabinet positions, which he is expected to introduce soon after taking the oath of office.