Turkish opposition leader condemns AKP power shift in Istanbul's Üsküdar district
Özgür Özel criticized President Erdoğan after authority in Üsküdar shifted to the AKP, while defending Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş's dialogue with the presidency.
Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a political transfer of executive authority in Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Speaking at a public rally at Üsküdar Square, Özel addressed Erdoğan directly over the municipal council vote, asking: "Is this your democracy?" He argued that the vote disregarded the electorate's democratic choice, which had previously awarded the district to the Republican People's Party (CHP).
In a separate interview on Koza TV, Özel defended Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş's recent meeting with Erdoğan, noting that routine dialogue between local executives and the Turkish presidency remains essential for effective governance.
Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet
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Earlier coverage
- Oct 21, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCTurkey's opposition leader Özel slams AKP over Üsküdar municipal shift
- Oct 21, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCÖzgür Özel condemns Üsküdar council vote and defends Yavaş talks with Erdoğan
- Oct 21, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCTurkey's opposition leader Özel denounces council vote in Istanbul's Üsküdar district
- Oct 21, 2026, 03:30 AM UTCTurkish opposition leader Özel condemns AKP takeover in Üsküdar
- Oct 20, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCTurkey's opposition leader condemns AKP council maneuver in Istanbul's Üsküdar
- Oct 20, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCTurkey's opposition leader Özel slams ruling party over Üsküdar council vote
- Oct 20, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCCHP leader Özel condemns AKP municipal takeover in Üsküdar
- Oct 20, 2026, 03:00 AM UTCCHP leader Özel criticises AKP takeover of Üsküdar municipal post
- Oct 19, 2026, 08:30 PM UTCÖzgür Özel criticises AKP takeover of Üsküdar following council vote
- Oct 19, 2026, 03:30 PM UTCTurkey's CHP leader condemns AKP takeover of Üsküdar district