Kambiz Mehdizadeh, in his early thirties and reportedly married to Rouhani's daughter in a low-key wedding this August, was appointed to the senior position in the industries and mining ministry on Saturday.
Iran president's son-in-law resigns after nepotism claims
Iran President Hassan Rouhani's son-in-law resigned on Monday just two days after his appointment as head of Iran's geological survey sparked accusations of nepotism, official news agency IRNA reported.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks in the capital Tehrnan on December 8, 2018
Recommended articles
The move sparked criticism on social media and from some lawmakers.
"I thank you for finding me worthy and inviting me to work alongside you in this ministry, but I ask to be relieved of my service so that I can continue my scientific and research activities," Mehdizadeh wrote in a resignation letter, according to IRNA.
Mehdizadeh is a PhD student in petroleum engineering, who has also served as an advisor to Iran's oil ministry, taekwondo federation and national youth organisation, according to the conservative Tasnim news agency.
ADVERTISEMENT
The minister who appointed him, Reza Rahmani, defended his choice just hours before the resignation, saying Mehdizadeh was "chosen based on his competence and being the president's son-in-law had nothing to do with it," according to IRNA.
Iranians on social media renewed criticism of nepotism that had spread last year with the hashtag "#good-genes" -- a reference to the son of a prominent reformist politician who attributed his business success to inheriting "good genes" from his parents.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Comparing comprehensive vs third-party auto insurance in Nigeria
Kaduna Speaker to El-Rufai's son: Your threat won't stop us from probing your father
Makinde demolishes building where Yoruba Nation agitators operate from
APC chieftain, Lukman faults NWC for backing Ganduje over suspension
EFCC gets permission to drag ex-governor Yahaya Bello to court tomorrow
Court stops EFCC from arresting Yahaya Bello hours after agents surrounded his house
Tinubu hails Dangote's diesel price cut, expects economic boost
'Is this relevant?' - Nigerians react as Gov Adeleke signs bill for new Osun State logo
Why donated blood is not free for patients
Pulse Sports
Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami
Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe
Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
