Iran's 'Marriage Crisis' Threatens Ahmadinejad

Sky-high housing prices, inflation prevent couples' independence

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 9, 2009 2:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – Iran is grappling with a “marriage crisis” that could cost Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a key demographic in Friday’s presidential election, Azadeh Moaveni writes in Time. The government’s international standing already has young people—35% of the population—seething; on top of that, those hoping to tie the knot are facing a major roadblock in high inflation and booming housing prices.

“We aren't lazy, and we aren't aiming for anything so high,” said a couple that can’t afford to marry. Whoever the young judge best to fix the crisis may win their votes—and Ahmadinejad’s government already made a failed attempt. Young people who couldn’t afford marriage should get hitched, but remain in their respective homes, the government said—a pronouncement it had to backtrack on after it drew public fury.

Supporters of reformist Mir Hossein Mousavi chant pro-reform slogans as the supporters of hard line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wave the Iranian flag in the background today in Tehran. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

A supporter of the leading reformist Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi holds his poster during an electoral campaign rally in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

In this photo released by Islamic Republic of Iranian Broadcasting, Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is seen before a debate with the main pro-reform candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi, June 3, 2009. (AP photo/Islamic Republic of Iranian Broadcasting, Dehghan, HO)

Young boys supporting reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi are seen in front of partially-ripped posters supporting current Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in downtown Tehran, June 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

A supporter of hard line Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad holds his picture during a rally at Musalla in Tehran, Monday, June 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

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Iran's 'Marriage Crisis' Threatens Ahmadinejad

Sky-high housing prices, inflation prevent couples' independence

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Ahmadinejad: Girls, Marry at 16

Why wait until you're 24, asks Iranian president

A Year Later, Iran Tense, Quiet

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Iran Seethes Ahead of Revolution Anniversary

February 11 will test regime, international community

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Ahmadinejad also tells 'Mr. Obama' to butt out

Neda's Boyfriend: 'This Movement Will Never Die'

In hiding after fleeing Iran, says the movement is still strong

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Sky-high housing prices, inflation prevent couples' independence

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iran • Mahmoud Ahmadinejad • marriage • Iranian election

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Ahmadinejad: Girls, Marry at 16

Why wait until you're 24, asks Iranian president

A Year Later, Iran Tense, Quiet

Green Revolution muted as protests called off

Iran Seethes Ahead of Revolution Anniversary

February 11 will test regime, international community

Pro-Government Protesters Threaten Mousavi

Ahmadinejad also tells 'Mr. Obama' to butt out

Neda's Boyfriend: 'This Movement Will Never Die'

In hiding after fleeing Iran, says the movement is still strong

About Us

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Newser By Users

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