Iran MPs reject President Raisi’s proposed education minister again

DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s hardline-dominated parliament on Tuesday rejected conservative President Ebrahim Raisi’s proposed education minister for a second time since he formed his cabinet in August.

Masoud Fayazi failed to win a vote of confidence, losing 140 to 115 after critics said he lacked sufficient experience in education and was ill-equipped to run a large ministry which has faced teacher protests over pay. “In your research publications, nothing can be seen except Islamic jurisprudence … then how do you introduce yourself as an expert on managing kindergartens?,” said lawmaker Ahmad Moharamzadeh before the vote in a parliamentary session broadcast live on state radio.

Last month, conservative Tehran mayor Alireza Zakani, named after anti-Western hardliners consolidated their power following elections in June, faced a public outcry over alleged nepotism after appointing his son-in-law as an adviser and later revoked the decision.