TEHRAN: Iran's parliament has summoned President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for questioning over a long list of accusations, including allegations that he mismanaged the nation's economy.

It's the first summons of its kind for an Iranian president since 1979. It follows a petition by a parliamentary committee and is part of a power struggle ahead of March parliamentary elections.

Mohammad Reza Bahnoar, the parliament deputy speaker, said Tuesday that lawmakers are demanding Ahmadinejad answer questions on the economy, including purportedly bypassing a special budget for the Tehran subway and public transportation.

He is also to be queried about foreign and domestic policy decisions.

The summons will be sent to Ahmadinejad this week. The president must appear in parliament after one month.