Ahmadinejad's Fight for Power

After months of post-election controversies, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is taking his second term in office. Our research shows the media have shifted their focus from the street protests to the relationship between the president and the individual who played a key role in his rise to power: Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The BBC points out the ties between the two have changed.

“They say they are like father and son. The supreme leader Ali Khamenei has staked his political future on supporting President Ahmadinejad. But today the strain was showing in this complicated relationship with an awkward prelude to Mr Ahmadinejad’s second term. It was all so much friendlier when he was first sworn in 4 years ago.”

CNN also notices the difference and reports on how Ahmadinejad gave little reference to the supreme leader in his inauguration speech.

“His relations with the supreme guy.. the top leader,, Mr Khamenei is not very easy either.
He made just one reference to Khamenei, without naming him, en passe.. as we say in French... whereas before, you have to dwell on the supreme leader’s greatness etc...“

France24 points out an obvious example of the power struggle -- Ahmadinejad had to dismiss his VP pick after an order by the supreme leader.

“In this matter, the president is trying to assert his power. He’s fighting for his legitimacy and he’s fighting for his power and authority. If he is unable to impose his choice for candidate members, he’ll end up being a puppet in the hands of the supreme guide.”

With all the division, Al Jazeera English paints a pessimistic future for the Iranian government.

“His appointments are causing problems. The supreme leader rejected his chosen vice president, his minister of culture then resigned, and Ahmadenejad has sacked his intelligence minister. A day of ceremony in Tehran, but an event overshadowed by an opposition that won’t be silenced.”

Ahmadinejad has two weeks to form his cabinet and gain approval from the parliament. How do you think this struggle for power will play out? Who do you think holds the most power in the country?