Turkish opposition leader condemns transfer of Üsküdar municipal control to AKP

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has criticized the transfer of administrative control in Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Addressing supporters at a rally in Üsküdar and speaking during a televised interview, Özel condemned the municipal council proceedings that shifted executive power, characterizing the process as a disregard for democratic election results. He directly questioned President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's democratic credentials after opposition gains in the district were overturned.

Özel also addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Erdoğan. He clarified that the dialogue was a routine administrative effort required to ensure municipal services remain uninterrupted in the capital.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet