CHP leader Özgür Özel criticizes AKP over Üsküdar municipal transfer

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel criticized the recent municipal vote in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, which transferred local administrative control to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar, Özel condemned the outcome and directly addressed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, asking, "Is this your democracy?" following the opposition's loss of the district leadership.

Additionally, during a broadcast on Koza TV, Özel commented on a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Erdoğan. He framed the discussion as a standard administrative consultation focused on municipal affairs rather than a political compromise, assuring supporters that CHP local officials would continue serving the public despite ongoing political pressure.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet