In a surprising turn of events, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has sacked his deputy, Shahram Dabiri, after backlash erupted over the latter's opulent cruise to Antarctica during the Nowruz festivities, the Persian New Year. The president's office condemned the trip as "unjustifiable and unacceptable," especially given the financial strain faced by many Iranian citizens.
A widely circulated image showing Dabiri and his wife aboard the MV Plancius, which travels to the South Pole, ignited outrage online, emphasizing the disconnect between officials and the public struggling with economic difficulties. Pezeshkian expressed disapproval in a statement, asserting that governmental conduct should reflect the values of Imam Ali, commenting that such lavish journeys—irrespective of their financial source—are "indefensible" during tough economic times.
Iran's economy has come under increased pressure, worsened by Western sanctions related to its backing of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Current statistics reveal an unemployment rate of 8.4% and an inflation rate hovering around 29.5%, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.
Pezeshkian criticized Dabiri's actions for violating the "principle of simplicity" that should guide public officials. The Antarctic cruise, which costs approximately $6,685 per person, is typically reserved for scientists and seasoned explorers, yet has seen an uptick in tourism interest overall.
While it remains unclear what specific travel arrangements Dabiri made, expeditions often begin in Ushuaia, a remote city in Argentina, necessitating considerable distance to be covered from Iran.
Notably, Pezeshkian rose to power last year promising to rejuvenate the faltering economy and improve the lives of Iranian citizens, following the tragic death of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi. Reports indicate that a significant portion of Pezeshkian's supporters urged the president to take definitive action against Dabiri as public frustration mounted over the cruise controversy.
A widely circulated image showing Dabiri and his wife aboard the MV Plancius, which travels to the South Pole, ignited outrage online, emphasizing the disconnect between officials and the public struggling with economic difficulties. Pezeshkian expressed disapproval in a statement, asserting that governmental conduct should reflect the values of Imam Ali, commenting that such lavish journeys—irrespective of their financial source—are "indefensible" during tough economic times.
Iran's economy has come under increased pressure, worsened by Western sanctions related to its backing of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Current statistics reveal an unemployment rate of 8.4% and an inflation rate hovering around 29.5%, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.
Pezeshkian criticized Dabiri's actions for violating the "principle of simplicity" that should guide public officials. The Antarctic cruise, which costs approximately $6,685 per person, is typically reserved for scientists and seasoned explorers, yet has seen an uptick in tourism interest overall.
While it remains unclear what specific travel arrangements Dabiri made, expeditions often begin in Ushuaia, a remote city in Argentina, necessitating considerable distance to be covered from Iran.
Notably, Pezeshkian rose to power last year promising to rejuvenate the faltering economy and improve the lives of Iranian citizens, following the tragic death of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi. Reports indicate that a significant portion of Pezeshkian's supporters urged the president to take definitive action against Dabiri as public frustration mounted over the cruise controversy.
