Turkish opposition leader criticises AKP over Üsküdar municipal shift

Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has condemned the transfer of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district leadership to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) following a local council vote. Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar and during a television broadcast, Özel characterized the outcome as an erosion of democratic principles and a disregard for voter intent.

Özel directly addressed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, questioning his commitment to democratic standards after the AKP secured the acting mayor position despite CHP's victory in the recent local elections. Additionally, Özel commented on a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, clarifying that the discussions were focused solely on resolving administrative obstacles affecting municipal public services in the capital.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet