Reza Sheykholeslam, Iranian politician

Abdolreza Sheykholeslami (Persian: عبدالرضا شیخ‌الاسلامی) is a prominent Iranian politician recognized for his significant roles within the government, particularly during the second term of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. His career includes holding key ministerial positions, reflecting his involvement in Iran's executive branch.

Sheykholeslami notably served as the former Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare. This particular ministry was established through a significant governmental restructuring in 2011, merging the previously separate Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs with the Ministry of Cooperatives. This consolidation aimed to streamline policies and oversight related to national employment, social security, and the cooperative sector, playing a vital role in Iran's socio-economic landscape.

Ministerial Portfolio and Political Context

Prior to leading the consolidated Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, Abdolreza Sheykholeslami held the portfolio of Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. He served in this capacity from 2009 to 2011, during the second cabinet of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose presidency spanned from 2005 to 2013.

Dismissal from Office

Abdolreza Sheykholeslami's tenure as Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare came to an abrupt end on 3 February 2013. His dismissal was not a voluntary resignation but rather the result of an impeachment vote by the Majlis (Iranian Parliament).

This significant political event stemmed from a dispute with President Ahmadinejad over the appointment of Saeed Mortazavi as the head of the Social Security Organization. Mortazavi, a controversial figure, had previously served as Tehran's prosecutor general. Despite parliamentary opposition and a directive from the then-Speaker of Parliament, Ali Larijani, to remove Mortazavi from the position, Sheykholeslami refused to comply with the parliamentary decree, citing presidential orders. This defiance led to his impeachment and subsequent removal from office. His dismissal marked him as the ninth minister to be fired or impeached during President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's second term since 2009, highlighting the political tensions and frequent cabinet reshuffles that characterized that period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Abdolreza Sheykholeslami?

Abdolreza Sheykholeslami (Persian: عبدالرضا شیخ‌الاسلامی) is an Iranian politician who held significant ministerial positions, most notably as the former Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare in the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

What ministerial roles did Abdolreza Sheykholeslami hold?

He served as the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs from 2009 to 2011, and subsequently as the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare from 2011 until his dismissal in 2013. The latter ministry was a result of a merger between the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Cooperatives.

When and why was Abdolreza Sheykholeslami dismissed from his ministerial post?

He was dismissed from office on 3 February 2013, following an impeachment vote by the Iranian Parliament (Majlis). The primary reason for his impeachment was his refusal to dismiss Saeed Mortazavi from the Social Security Organization, despite a parliamentary directive. His dismissal made him the ninth minister to be removed during President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's second term since 2009.