04.07.2026 16:20
CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp harshly criticized Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli for mingling with the public in sportswear during his speech at the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly. In response to Alp's controversial remarks, "Send vine leaves to these governors to wear," Governor Çiçekli countered with 'leaf trend' posts initiated by his supporters on social media.
The General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) witnessed a striking dress debate. CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp, taking the floor out of agenda, targeted Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli with photographs he brought along.
"SUCH A GOVERNOR IS NOT POSSIBLE, SEND VINE LEAVES"
Stating that Governor Çiçekli walks among citizens in tights, CHP's Alp harshly criticized this style, arguing that it casts a shadow over the dignity of the state office. Calling on the Ministry of Interior, Alp used striking expressions in his speech:
"Such a governor, such a finance director is not acceptable. Either dismiss these governors or send them vine leaves to wear. They cannot walk around the city like this. The Ministry of Interior must immediately intervene in this situation, and either remove these administrators who cast a shadow over the dignity of the state office or issue necessary warnings."
GOVERNOR'S 'LEAF TREND' POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The response from Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli to these criticisms directed from the parliament podium by CHP's İnan Akgün Alp came via social media. Following the criticisms, Governor Çiçekli shared messages of support he received from citizens on his own account. The support messages showed social media users starting a trend with "vine leaf" emojis and photos.