and Later Years
After leaving office in 2013, Ahmadinejad largely withdrew from public life but attempted a political comeback in 2017 when he registered to run in the presidential election. However, the Guardian Council, which vets candidates, disqualified him from the race. His political activities have since been limited, though he remains a vocal critic of Iran’s political establishment.
Legacy and Controversies
Ahmadinejad’s legacy is a subject of debate. His supporters credit him with championing the poor, investing in infrastructure, and resisting Western pressure on Iran’s nuclear program. His detractors, however, highlight his economic mismanagement, human rights abuses, and authoritarian tendencies.