Khayahad al-Azari
Khayahad al-Azari | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Al-Azari in 2017 | |
| 30th President of Emmiria | |
| In office 13 February 2011 – 13 February 2021 | |
| Foreign Minister of Emmiria | Naadir al-Shaikh |
| Preceded by | Ali al-Jabara |
| Succeeded by | Akram Sulaiman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Seyyed Khayahad al-Azari 14 October 1949 Hajaria, Emmiria |
| Nationality | Emmirian |
| Political party | Moderate Reformist Party |
| Spouse | Zohreh Deghi (m. 1974) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Tarijibar University of Rhaga |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Emmiria |
| Branch/service | Emmirian Imperial Army |
| Years of service | 1969–1971 |
| Rank | Second lieutenant |
Khayahad al-Azari is an Emmirian politician and statesman who served as the 30th President of Emmiria, a position he held from 2011 to 2021. Little known internationally before becoming president, al-Azari attracted domestic attention during the 2003-11 student-led protests as a supporter of the demonstrations. His first election to the presidency was largely supported by the youth vote, having run on a platform of liberalization and reform, and he received almost 70% of the total ballots cast. During his presidency, al-Azari advocated freedom of expression, tolerance and civil society, constructive diplomatic relations with other states in the Coalition of Crown Albatross, and an economic policy that supported a free market and foreign investment. His administration oversaw several reforms to labor laws, taxation and pensions; he pursued a renewable energy transition. He also tackled corruption, including a law which banned elected representatives from hiring family members. He faced criticism for his policies on immigration and in particular the South Adula migrant crisis, and his government struggled with multiple security issues such as a military intervention in Jiddiya and a naval standoff in the Tarijar Strait. Al-Azari also oversaw a restructuring of Emmiria's foreign policy, including the country's inclusion into WEDA, the hosting of the 2017 World Cup, and the 2011 Leaders Summit.
He was elected to the presidency three times in 2011, 2015, and 2019, and announced his resignation from the presidency exactly one decade after assuming office, being succeeded by Akram Sulaiman. Despite al-Azari's popularity both domestically and internationally, some of his public comments and clashes with the press attracted criticism. Notably, al-Azari's often combative jabs at his predecessors; Raaid al-Taheri, Abolhassan Neeshaan, and Ali al-Jabara; would often be met with legal consequences. Al-Azari and many of his cabinet ministers were also accused on multiple occasions of corruption and embezzlement. He has been called a "globalist" by supporters and critics alike.
