Turkey's Özel criticizes AKP over Üsküdar district vote shift

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a municipal council vote that returned the presidency of Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a public gathering in Üsküdar Square and during an interview on Koza TV, Özel called the administrative shift one of the "darkest" moments in Turkey's political history, questioning Erdoğan's commitment to electoral fairness in a district the CHP won in recent local elections.

Additionally, Özel addressed Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş's recent meeting with Erdoğan. He explained that official dialogue between municipal leaders and the presidency remains necessary to address public needs despite ongoing political rivalries.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.