Turkish opposition chief Özel slams AKP over Istanbul district vote

Main opposition leader Özgür Özel has launched a sharp critique against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a vote that handed the deputy mayoralty of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district to the ruling party. Speaking at a public gathering in Üsküdar and during a television interview, Özel characterized the local election process as deeply compromised, questioning the president's commitment to democratic principles.

Özel emphasized that opposition mayor Sinem Dedetaş had legitimately won the district in recent elections, calling the political transition unacceptable to local voters. Furthermore, the opposition leader addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Erdoğan, providing context on why those talks occurred. The comments highlight ongoing tensions over local governance across major Turkish municipalities.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.