Özgür Özel criticizes AKP over Üsküdar municipal vote while defending Yavaş-Erdoğan talks

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) after the AKP regained executive influence in Istanbul's Üsküdar district following a deputy mayoralty vote. Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar Square, Özel challenged Erdoğan over the shift, stating that the procedure undermined the democratic mandate granted to the CHP by voters in recent local elections. Özel characterized the events as one of the darkest moments in Turkish political life.

In a separate television interview on Koza TV, Özel addressed Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş's recent meeting with Erdoğan. Özel defended the interaction, stating that political dialogue between municipal leadership and the presidency is essential for proper public administration.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet