Alireza Zakani, the mayor of Tehran, who has begun his presidential election campaign, has sparked controversy by appointing his deputy for financial affairs, Lotfollah Forouzandeh, as the head of his campaign team.
The move has raised concerns about the misuse of municipal resources for personal political gain. Zakani had previously informed the city council that he saw no need to appoint a successor for himself in the municipality during the election campaign period, with the decision widely criticized as an attempt to maintain his control over municipal resources while campaigning.
Forouzandeh relayed an "official directive" from Zakani on Monday stating that "under no circumstances should the resources of Tehran Municipality be used in the election campaigns of any candidates, including himself."
Zakani's political career has been marred by aggressive tactics, particularly against reformists, and his tenure as mayor has been fraught with controversy. Disputes over urban policies, such as mosque constructions in parks and enforcing hijab on public transport, have sparked internal conflicts within the conservative camp and the city council.
Financial and familial scandals, including nepotism involving his son-in-law and questionable financial dealings by his daughter, have further tainted his administration.
