Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has taken a bold stand by firing his deputy, Shahram Dabiri, after he embarked on a luxurious trip to Antarctica during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This decision was made due to widespread outrage over Dabiri's "unjustifiable" vacation amidst Iran's economic struggles.
Dabiri's trip, which was widely shared on social media, included a photo of him and his wife on the MV Plancius, an expedition ship on a journey to the South Pole. Pezeshkian condemned such "indefensible" actions, regardless of whether they were funded personally. He stressed the necessity of simplicity for public officials, especially in a nation grappling with sanctions and high inflation rates—29.5% as of October 2023.
The expedition costs around $6,685 (£5,187), and while Antarctic cruises have become popular, such trips are typically associated with scientific research. The public uproar over Dabiri's adventure comes as the Iranian president pushes for improved living standards for citizens following his election amid promises of economic revival.
Calls from Pezeshkian's supporters played a significant role in this decision, showing the government's sensitivity to the people's discontent surrounding the elite's lavish lifestyles during hard times.
