Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has dismissed Shahram Dabiri, a deputy, for taking a luxury Antarctic cruise during Nowruz, sparking outrage amid the nation’s economic struggles.
Iranian President Dismisses Deputy Over Controversial Antarctic Trip
Iranian President Dismisses Deputy Over Controversial Antarctic Trip
Iran's economic hardships lead to backlash against lavish official travel.
In a surprising move, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the dismissal of Shahram Dabiri, his deputy for parliamentary affairs, due to his extravagant trip to Antarctica with his wife during the Persian New Year, Nowruz. Pezeshkian's office reported that this journey was "unjustifiable and unacceptable" considering the severe economic difficulties currently facing the Iranian populace.
The dismissal was triggered when images of Dabiri and his wife enjoying their journey aboard the MV Plancius circulated widely on social media, prompting public outrage. Pezeshkian emphasized that such "lavish travels," regardless of whether they were personally financed, were "indefensible" in a government striving to uphold the values of the first Shia Imam, Imam Ali, especially in times of significant economic strain.
Iran's economy is currently grappling with substantial issues, exacerbated by Western sanctions linked to its support of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are classified as terrorist organizations by multiple Western nations. Recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed an unemployment rate of 8.4% and an alarming inflation rate of 29.5% in Iran as of October 2024.
Pezeshkian remarked that Dabiri's actions blatantly contradicted the principle of simplicity crucial for those in authority. The Antarctic expedition on the MV Plancius, famous for offering luxury tourism experiences, has starting prices around $6,685 (£5,187) but typically attracts seasoned explorers and researchers rather than government officials.
While the specific details surrounding the transportation from Iran to Antarctica remain unclear, package deals for such trips often require travelers to embark from Ushuaia, Argentina, which is notably distanced from Iran, measuring approximately 3,079km (1,913 miles) from Buenos Aires.
Pezeshkian, elected last year with vows to enhance the economy and the daily lives of Iranians, faced mounting pressure from his supporters, urging the removal of Dabiri amidst growing public discontent with the lavish trip.
The dismissal was triggered when images of Dabiri and his wife enjoying their journey aboard the MV Plancius circulated widely on social media, prompting public outrage. Pezeshkian emphasized that such "lavish travels," regardless of whether they were personally financed, were "indefensible" in a government striving to uphold the values of the first Shia Imam, Imam Ali, especially in times of significant economic strain.
Iran's economy is currently grappling with substantial issues, exacerbated by Western sanctions linked to its support of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are classified as terrorist organizations by multiple Western nations. Recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed an unemployment rate of 8.4% and an alarming inflation rate of 29.5% in Iran as of October 2024.
Pezeshkian remarked that Dabiri's actions blatantly contradicted the principle of simplicity crucial for those in authority. The Antarctic expedition on the MV Plancius, famous for offering luxury tourism experiences, has starting prices around $6,685 (£5,187) but typically attracts seasoned explorers and researchers rather than government officials.
While the specific details surrounding the transportation from Iran to Antarctica remain unclear, package deals for such trips often require travelers to embark from Ushuaia, Argentina, which is notably distanced from Iran, measuring approximately 3,079km (1,913 miles) from Buenos Aires.
Pezeshkian, elected last year with vows to enhance the economy and the daily lives of Iranians, faced mounting pressure from his supporters, urging the removal of Dabiri amidst growing public discontent with the lavish trip.
