A fresh dispute in Turkish politics escalated on September 12, 2026, when former Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Melih Gökçek issued a sharp public response to former Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Speaker Bülent Arınç. The exchange follows recent criticism from Arınç regarding Gökçek’s conduct during a court appearance, which Gökçek countered by targeting Arınç’s political alliances and attendance at a high-profile wedding ceremony.
Melih Gökçek Responds to Bülent Arınç Over Ahmet Davutoğlu Support
According to social media posts published on September 12, 2026, Melih Gökçek directed his criticism at Bülent Arınç’s political stance concerning former Prime Minister and closed Future Party Leader Ahmet Davutoğlu. Gökçek accused Arınç of inconsistency, pointing to Arınç’s participation in the wedding ceremony of Davutoğlu’s son, where Arınç publicly voiced support for the former Prime Minister.
“Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’a, ailesine, akrabalarına ve yakınlarına hakaret eden ve her türlü iftirayı atan bir kişinin iftiralarını görmezden gelip o kişiyi ‘saygın’ ilan edeceksin; ardından çocuğunun düğününe katılacaksın,” Gökçek wrote in his statement, criticizing Arınç for allegedly aligning with figures opposed to the ruling party and the presidency. Additional coverage from GAZETE PENCERE notes that the public feud intensified after Arınç criticized Gökçek for chewing gum while entering the Ankara Courthouse to provide testimony.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? The political friction between Melih Gökçek and Bülent Arınç centers heavily around the actions and statements surrounding Ahmet Davutoğlu, whose son’s wedding ceremony served as a focal point for Arınç’s declared political alignment and subsequent criticism from Gökçek.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the latest exchange between Melih Gökçek and Bülent Arınç?
The latest dispute reignited after Bülent Arınç criticized Melih Gökçek for chewing gum while arriving at the Ankara Courthouse to give testimony, prompting Gökçek to issue a harsh rebuttal on social media.
What specific event did Melih Gökçek use to criticize Bülent Arınç?
Gökçek criticized Arınç for attending the wedding ceremony of Ahmet Davutoğlu’s son and for expressing political support for Davutoğlu, whom Gökçek accused of making false accusations against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
How did Melih Gökçek frame the political morality of his rival?
Gökçek stated that a person’s political morality is measured by whether they view figures who attack the party leader as “respectable,” as well as by whose applause and company they find satisfying.
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