Özgür Özel condemns municipal power shift in Istanbul's Üsküdar district

Main opposition leader Özgür Özel has strongly criticized the administrative transfer of Istanbul's Üsküdar municipality to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) following a deputy mayoral vote. Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar and during a televised interview, Özel described the council proceedings as a violation of democratic principles, directly challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's democratic standing. Özel stated that the opposition had legitimately secured the district, historically regarded as an AKP stronghold, through democratic elections.

Additionally, Özel commented on a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan. He clarified that the dialogue was a routine administrative effort to ensure municipal services in the capital continue without interruption.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet