Turkish opposition leader condemns AKP municipal takeover in Istanbul's Üsküdar

Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized the transfer of Istanbul's Üsküdar municipal leadership to the ruling Justice and Development Party following a controversial council vote. Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar and on broadcast television, Özel described the proceedings as one of the darkest moments in Turkish election history, directly questioning President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's democratic credentials after opposition candidates had previously secured the district.

Özel also addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan. He framed the discussion as standard administrative dialogue focused on municipal public service delivery, denying claims of political concessions.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet