SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT WE WON:

[T]he Nov. 1 parliamentary sessions debunked the hard-liners' claims of having gained a majority in the legislature. Indeed, all three of the nominees Rouhani presented to head the ministries of culture and Islamic guidance, education, and youth affairs and sports received votes of confidence.

Fakhreddin Ahmadi Danesh-Ashtiani was backed by 157 out of 290 legislators to become the new minister of education. Compared to the other two proposed ministers, Danesh-Ashtiani faced the most opposition, as 111 lawmakers voted against his appointment. This indicates that pro-Rouhani forces hold a parliamentary majority. Plus, the number of hard-line members of parliament is possibly less than 111, given that a number of legislators who opposed Danesh-Ashtiani were moderates and independents. Before the voting, Abolfazl Torabi, a member of the Velayat faction, which gathers both conservatives and moderates, hinted that the sentiment toward Danesh-Ashtiani within the parliamentary group was "negative." Meanwhile, Masoud Soltanifar, the new minister of youth affairs and sports, gained 193 "yes" votes, which highlights the real power and quantity of pro-Rouhani members of parliament. Reza Salehi Amiri became the new minister of culture and Islamic guidance, with 180 votes in favor.

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