Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, sacked one of his vice presidents, Shahram Dabiri, after photos of Dabiri’s luxury trip to Antarctica with his wife surfaced online. The trip was taken during the Iranian New Year, or “Nowruz,” and sparked widespread outrage in the country.
Economic challenges
Iran is currently facing significant economic struggles. The country is under heavy sanctions from Western nations, partly due to its support for militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported an unemployment rate of 8.4% in October 2022, with a yearly inflation rate of 29.5%.
Luxury trip sparks outrage
The controversy surrounding Dabiri’s trip centered on the perceived extravagance of the voyage. The MV Plancius, the ship used for the trip, had previously been used by the Dutch navy for polar research missions. The journey’s cost started at 3,885 euros (approximately 146,000 Thai baht) per person.
Pezeshkian’s office stated that Dabiri’s actions were unacceptable, especially given the country’s economic challenges. The president emphasized that such behavior was irreconcilable, regardless of whether Dabiri used personal funds or not.
In a statement, Pezeshkian said, “In a government that seeks to follow the values of the first Shia imam (Ali) and amid significant economic pressure, a government official’s luxurious travel, even if paid for personally, is inexcusable.”
The move highlights the Iranian government’s efforts to promote simplicity and humility among its officials. The president’s decision to remove Dabiri from his position underscores the importance of adhering to these principles, particularly during times of economic hardship.
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