Turkish Governor Dismissed After CHP Lawmaker Criticizes Cycling Tights

Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli has been removed from his post following criticism from a Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmaker in the Turkish Parliament. The dismissal came after CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp targeted the governor during a session, using a photograph of Çiçekli cycling in tight shorts.

Alp presented the photo from the parliamentary podium, stating, "He has four bodyguards in front and back. He walks around in tights among the citizens. A governor like this is unacceptable. I am calling on the Minister of Interior; either remove these governors or send them fig leaves."

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He has four bodyguards in front and back. He walks around in tights among the citizens. A governor like this is unacceptable. I am calling on the Minister of Interior; either remove these governors or send them fig leaves.

The governor's removal has drawn a strong reaction from within the CHP itself. Gökan Zeybek, a Deputy Chairman of the party, criticized both the initial remarks and the subsequent dismissal. "The criticism and dismissal of Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli are both very wrong," Zeybek stated.

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The criticism and dismissal of Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli are both very wrong.

Zeybek argued against the punitive approach to sports attire, particularly cycling. "I have difficulty understanding the punishment of a sport as widespread as cycling... We tell all mayors in local governments to include bicycle paths in their planning. While we have a directive perspective on incorporating them into zoning plan notes, and we are a country aspiring to host the Olympics, the criticism and dismissal of Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli are both very wrong," he posted on social media.

He further warned against such "formalistic and top-down instructions," deeming them worrying for daily life and democratic principles. "If you punish a governor for sportswear, tomorrow swimmers won't wear swimsuits, tennis players won't wear skirts, and social life will be deeply affected. What society needs is not prohibitionist reflexes, but an understanding that protects areas of freedom and is based on common sense," Zeybek added.

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I have difficulty understanding the punishment of a sport as widespread as cycling... What society needs is not prohibitionist reflexes, but an understanding that protects areas of freedom and is based on common sense.