A Turkish provincial governor passionate about cycling faced an unexpected political storm after a photo of him wearing tight cycling pants went viral online, leading to his dismissal from office.
Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, governor of Ardahan province in eastern Turkey, was dismissed on 17 July by a presidential decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Although the decree did not specify reasons, the dismissal followed criticism from some politicians over Çiçekli wearing tight cycling pants at a cycling promotion event and posting photos on social media.
İnan Akkun Alp, a member of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), accused Çiçekli of prioritizing social media over his duties as governor and considered his tight-fitting attire inappropriate for the governor's role.
Çiçekli, appointed governor in January by President Erdoğan, defended himself by affirming that the outfit he wore was standard cycling apparel and appropriate for the sporting activity.
However, a petition campaign has recently gathered over 10,000 signatures demanding the government reinstate him. Supporters state that Çiçekli played a key role in developing Ardahan province through promoting sports, youth activities, and advancing cycling tourism, arguing there is no justifiable reason for his dismissal.
:AP
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