Özgür Özel challenges Erdoğan over transfer of Istanbul's Üsküdar district to AKP

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has publicly criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a municipal vote that shifted executive control of Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar, Özel accused the government of undermining democratic principles and questioned Erdoğan's commitment to democracy after the opposition had secured the local mandate.

In a separate interview on Koza TV, Özel described the council proceedings as "the darkest, most polluted" episode in Turkish electoral history. Meanwhile, Özel addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, framing the dialogue as a necessary administrative step to maintain municipal services despite political tensions.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet