Aref’s Good Gene, a Plague for Pezeshkian
It was Tuesday, August 28th, when the farewell and introduction ceremony of the former and current Ministers of Industry, Mines, and Trade was held with the presence of Mohammad Reza Aref, the First Vice President.
However, this meeting was accompanied by events that have now turned into a loud controversy for the fourteenth government. During this ceremony, an image of Hamid Reza Aref, the son of Mohammad Reza Aref, attending this government ceremony was published.
This issue prompted a lot of reactions, and various individuals and figures responded to it.
Mohammad Fazeli, a reformist sociologist, reacted to the presence of Mohammad Reza Aref’s son at the introduction session of the Minister of Industry and wrote: Mr. Aref, please clearly explain the reason for your son’s presence at the official government meeting.
If this kind of presence and the interventions of such privileged offspring are not stopped for any reason, the outcome will be disgraceful for the government. People like me did not pledge our reputation to the public for Mr. Aref’s son to roam freely in the core and periphery of the government.
Fazeli’s stance was met with reactions from social media users.
It’s the good gene; nothing can be done about it.
Looking at user comments shows that most reactions to this issue are negative, and users are upset about such an occurrence, sarcastically attributing it to the good gene. As one user wrote, ‘Come on, he has a good gene, not just from one side but from both sides. Now his gene is active again with Papa’s activation. Let’s see which new contract he has to sign now.’ Another user wrote, ‘From now on, we should expect the presence of Pezeshkian’s son and relatives in government positions, just as we have seen sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, sons-in-law, cousins, and nieces in previous governments in various posts under different pretexts.’
Another user, reacting to this event, asked, ‘Why don’t you cut off these people’s involvement with the government and the nation for once so that the lost trust can be regained and support can be provided? Do you think if war breaks out, these people will defend you and the country?’ Another user wrote, ‘This good gene means Aref’s son or others like him must prove how they are better than the country’s children, especially my child who is a martyr’s child.’
Mr. Fazeli, your words are correct, but you also did not leave any reputation for Mr. Pezeshkian.
Another group of users also reacted to Mohammad Fazeli’s statements. For example, a user mentioned, ‘Mr. Fazeli, although I agree with your opinion about Aref’s son, many others also pledged their reputation during the elections. But you, in a TV debate, fell into the trap of a state TV expert and, as a sociologist, could not control your anger. Even though you apologized, I am still amazed.’
Another user wrote, ‘Regardless of the personal issues some key figures in political streams have with each other, and how they attack each other for certain matters, I strongly support Dr. Fazel’s straightforward and clear words. It is commendable that he spoke openly from the people’s heart, even with the First Vice President of the fourteenth government. Such transparent stances not only double the popularity of the National Unity Government but also cut off the good genes from now on. It is hoped that behind the scenes, these good genes stay at home and the offspring remain with their father.’
Another user also stated, ‘Kudos to you, well said, you spoke the truth. Such actions are not good for Dr. Pezeshkian’s government’s image.’ Another user wrote, ‘Your talk about nepotism and the son is right and praiseworthy, but your behavior in that program only led to a loss of votes, not gaining reputation for winning. You became too arrogant, sir. Personally, after your behavior, even though I was a supporter of the doctor, I did not vote for him, and with the behaviors we have seen so far, the future of this government will be like a street brawl.’
Mr. Aref is sick and needs an escort.
Some others justified this event and saw no issue with it. For example, a user wrote, ‘Mr. Aref, who is the First Vice President, is also an elite, so it’s not a problem if his son is free to do whatever he wants.’ Another user wrote, ‘Mr. Aref is sick, so his son must accompany him.’ A user responded to these statements, ‘Someone who is sick should not take on responsibility,’ and another user wrote, ‘If he is so sick, he should stay home.’
Or another user wrote, ‘Mr. Professor, when they bring a 74-year-old First Vice President who has been retired for decades and doesn’t know the difference between a mine and a tourist center, not now but even 17 years ago, his son has to be by his side to prevent him from falling down stairs and elevators. Meanwhile, he might give orders on behalf of his father and sometimes take very minor advantages.’