Turkey's opposition leader Özel slams ruling party over Üsküdar council vote

Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a local council vote that transferred the Üsküdar deputy presidency in Istanbul to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar, Özel accused the government of undermining democratic norms in a district recently won by the opposition, describing the political maneuver as one of the darkest moments in Turkish political history.

Separately, during a television broadcast on Koza TV, Özel addressed Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş’s recent meeting with Erdoğan. He defended the encounter, explaining that communication between municipal leaders and the presidency remains essential for public administration despite ongoing political competition.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet