He received his master of science degree in mathematics with the final grade of A+ in 1976 but dropped out of PhD program in 1978 during the revolution to return. During his time at the Planning and Budget Organization, Najafi worked on strategic development plans that prioritized transparency, efficiency, and social welfare. His technocratic approach — combining economic data with social policy — earned him respect among reformist circles, though it also drew criticism from hardliners who viewed his ideas as overly Western or liberal.
When Najafi became Mayor of Tehran in 2017, expectations were high. Reformists saw his appointment as a chance to bring transparency and modernization to the capital. He launched initiatives to address air pollution, waste management, and urban planning, and he sought to audit the city’s finances, which had been criticized for corruption under previous administrations.
