WANA (July 8) – Masoumeh Ebtekar, former Vice President of former president Hassan Rouhani and a serious backer of Masoud Pezeshkian in the recent presidential elections, suggested in a tweet that given the President-elect’s single status, his daughter, who was by his side throughout the election campaigns, should accept the title and responsibility of “First Daughter.”

Masoud Pezeshkian lost his wife and one of his children in a tragic accident years ago and has not remarried in nearly three decades since. His support for his children after his wife’s death demonstrated his deep love for his spouse and his family. This has led to a significant number of Iranian women voting for him.

 

The proposal for the title “First Daughter” due to the President of Iran’s single status has both supporters and opponents. Opponents view these titles as borrowed from Western culture and consider them foreign and inappropriate. In contrast, supporters believe these titles could elevate the status of Iranian women in social activities.

 

Azari Jahromi, Iran’s Minister of Communications during Hassan Rouhani’s presidency and actively involved in Pezeshkian’s election campaigns, responded to Ms Ebtekar’s tweet, writing: “Dr Pezeshkian stepped onto the scene, and the people chose him to dismantle the concept of ‘Firsts.’ All the daughters of Iran will be ‘First Daughters’.”

 

When Ebrahim Raisi became president and his wife, a university professor, gave speeches at various gatherings and participated in official ceremonies with the title “First Lady,” meeting with the spouses of other presidents, the hardline reformists in Iran mocked her and banter the title of “First Lady.”

Presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian takes a selfie with one of his supporters during a campaign gathering

Presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian takes a selfie with one of his supporters during a campaign gathering in Tehran, Iran June 14, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

MORE ABOUT PEZESHKIAN

Pezeshkian became widely known for his efforts to improve healthcare services and his involvement in the legislative process to support public health initiatives. His personal life has also drawn public attention, especially following the tragic loss of his wife and one of his children in a car accident many years ago.

 

Despite this personal tragedy, he chose not to remarry and instead focused on raising his remaining children and serving the public.

 

In a recent presidential election, Pezeshkian ran as a candidate and was elected as the ninth president of Iran, receiving the majority of the votes. His campaign emphasized his dedication to healthcare, social justice, and support for marginalized communities, resonating with many voters across the country.

By WANA