Özgür Özel slams Üsküdar vote transfer to AKP and addresses Yavaş-Erdoğan talks

Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel has strongly criticized the transfer of Istanbul's Üsküdar district deputy mayoralty to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar Square and during a broadcast on Koza TV, Özel condemned the election outcome, describing the process as "the darkest, most polluted" moment in recent Turkish political history. Addressing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Özel questioned his commitment to democracy following the shift in local governance, noting that opposition Mayor Sinem Dedetaş had originally won the district with clean votes.

Özel also commented on a recent discussion between Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, providing context on why the interaction took place despite ongoing tensions between the parties.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.