Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called on his country to grant more academic freedoms in its universities, saying stifling open debate and thought will only harm the government in the long run.

“Irrelevant restrictions will lead to the departure of honest, competent individuals and the promotion of ingratiating people,” he said, during a televised broadcast to herald in the new academic year, The Associated Press reported.

Mr. Rouhani also complained that students weren’t allowed to speak at the ceremony, AP reported.

“I am here to listen,” he said, “not to make a speech. It is a matter of regret that there was no speech by student associations in today’s program.”

Mr. Rouhani campaigned and won his election to the presidency as a moderate. He’s promised to bring in more freedoms and openness, but he has been met with considerable resistance from hard-line Islamic officials.

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