CHP's Özel condemns transfer of Üsküdar municipal control to ruling AKP

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has strongly condemned the transfer of Istanbul's Üsküdar district administration back to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar Square and during an interview on Koza TV, Özel directly challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, questioning his democratic credentials.

Özel asserted that the CHP legitimately won the district during local elections, describing the municipal council proceedings that returned authority to the AKP as a setback for democratic fairness. During his remarks, Özel also addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, noting that institutional dialogue remains necessary despite deep political opposition.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.