Turkish opposition leader criticises AKP's municipal vote win in Istanbul's Üsküdar

Main opposition Republican People's Party leader Özgür Özel has strongly criticized the outcome of a municipal council vote in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, which effectively handed control back to the ruling Justice and Development Party. Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar and during a televised interview on Koza TV, Özel questioned President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's commitment to democratic standards, arguing that voters had chosen an opposition mayor through direct elections.

Özel characterized the local council proceedings as a setback for political fairness, while also addressing broader political developments. Commenting on a recent high-level meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, Özel explained that institutional dialogue remains essential despite ongoing political tensions between the opposition and the government.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.