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Iranian President Ousts Deputy Following ‘Lavish’ Antarctica Voyage
TEHRAN – Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has dismissed a high-ranking deputy after revelations of an extravagant journey to Antarctica undertaken by the official and his wife during the Persian New Year celebrations. President Pezeshkian publicly criticized Shahram Dabiri’s holiday, taken during Nowruz, deeming it “unjustifiable and unacceptable” in light of the nation’s current economic difficulties. The dismissal highlights the emphasis on austerity within the Iranian government amidst economic pressure.
Deputy Removed for ‘Indefensible’ Antarctica Trip
In a statement released on Saturday, President Pezeshkian announced that Dabiri was relieved of his duties as vice president for parliamentary affairs. The President stated that the trip was “indefensible,” regardless of whether state funds were utilized for its financing. He elaborated, “In a governing body that aims to uphold the principles of Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam, and in the face of significant economic strains on our populace, opulent travel by government figures, even when financed personally, remains indefensible.”
Journey Contradicts Principle of Simplicity Amid Economic Sanctions
Iran is currently subject to stringent economic sanctions imposed by Western nations, including the United Kingdom. The nation faces significant economic headwinds. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Islamic Republic, a vocal critic of Israel and supporter of groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, is grappling with an inflation rate nearing 30%. Simultaneously, unemployment in Iran exceeds 8 percent.
President Pezeshkian asserted that Mr. Dabiri’s expedition to Antarctica “sharply contradicts the principle of simplicity which is paramount for those in positions of authority.” The controversy erupted after a photograph surfaced on social media depicting Mr. Dabiri and his wife posing in front of the MV Plancius, a vessel destined for Antarctica.
Cost of Antarctic Expedition Under Scrutiny
The price for voyages to Antarctica aboard similar vessels begins at approximately £5,187. However, the specific package chosen by Mr. Dabiri and his wife remains unclear. Furthermore, the port of embarkation for the couple’s Antarctic cruise has not been publicly disclosed.
Common Departure Point in Southern Argentina
Ushuaia, situated in southern Argentina and about 1,913 miles removed from Buenos Aires, is a frequently utilized location for passengers to board ships heading to Antarctica.
President Promised Economic Revival
President Pezeshkian was elected to office last year on a platform centered on revitalizing the nation’s struggling economy and stabilizing the financial well-being of average Iranian citizens. Reports indicate that President Pezeshkian faced mounting pressure to dismiss his deputy following the online circulation of images showing him in front of the Antarctic-bound ship.