Iranian economy minister impeached

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Iran's parliament impeached Economy Minister Masoud Karbasian on Sunday in the latest blow to the embattled government as it struggles to face down a mounting economic crisis.

Karbasian attended an open session of the Parliament on Sunday for an impeachment inquiry in the wake of skyrocketing prices in the country and devaluation of the local currency.

He responded to questions posed by a number of lawmakers complaining about his ministry’s performance and poor handling of the economic situation.

At the end of the impeachment session, Karbasian lost the vote of confidence, which was carried live on state radio, by 137 votes to 121, with two abstentions.

He is the second minister in President Hassan Rouhani's cabinet to be impeached this month, following the removal of Labor Minister Ali Rabiei on August 8.

Iran has struggled with high rates of inflation and joblessness for years, despite a slight improvement following the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which lifted international sanctions and saw a flood of foreign investors.

However, the nuclear deal now looks increasingly moribund after the US pulled out of the agreement in May and began reintroducing sanctions.

Source(s): AFP