Turkey's opposition leader Özel criticizes Üsküdar council vote handing district to AKP

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has criticized the outcome of a municipal council vote in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, which transferred local administrative control back to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar and during an interview on Koza TV, Özel questioned President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's democratic credentials, asserting that voters had legitimately elected an opposition mayor.

Özel described the local council proceedings as a setback for political fairness and electoral integrity in Turkey. Additionally, addressing recent political developments, Özel commented on a high-level meeting between Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, noting that institutional dialogue remains necessary despite deep political divisions.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.