Turkey's opposition leader criticises ruling party over Üsküdar municipal vote
Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel criticized the ruling AKP after Istanbul's Üsküdar district deputy mayoralty transferred to the governing party.
Turkish main opposition leader Özgür Özel has criticized the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) following a controversial selection for the deputy mayoralty in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, which resulted in the position transferring to the AKP.
Speaking at a public gathering in Üsküdar and during a television appearance, Özel questioned President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's commitment to democracy, describing the local vote process as deeply compromised. The political friction follows recent opposition gains in the key Istanbul district.
During his media interview, Özel also addressed a separate high-profile meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, offering comments on the discussions between the two figures.
Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 04:30 PM UTCÖzgür Özel slams Üsküdar vote transfer to AKP and addresses Yavaş-Erdoğan talks
- Oct 16, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCTurkish opposition chief Özel condemns ruling party over Istanbul district vote
- Oct 16, 2026, 03:30 AM UTCTurkish opposition chief Özel slams AKP over Istanbul district vote
- Oct 15, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCTurkish opposition leader Özel condemns AKP over Üsküdar local vote