CHP leader Özel denounces AKP control shift in Istanbul's Üsküdar district

Turkish opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has condemned the transfer of administrative control in Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) following a controversial local council vote. Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar, Özel directly challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over democratic standards in the municipality, which the CHP had won during recent local elections.

During a broadcast interview on Koza TV, Özel described the council proceedings as among the darkest and most tainted events in Turkish political history. He also addressed Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş's recent meeting with Erdoğan, clarifying that the discussion focused exclusively on resolving municipal administrative hurdles facing the capital, rather than engaging in broader political negotiations.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet