Turkish opposition leader criticizes government over Istanbul district vote
CHP leader Özgür Özel criticized the transfer of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district to the AKP and clarified Ankara Mayor Yavaş's meeting with Erdoğan.
Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has condemned the transfer of control of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) following a local council vote. Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar and during a broadcast on Koza TV, Özel described the process as anti-democratic and an infringement on local voters' will. Addressing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Özel questioned the government’s commitment to democratic standards.
Additionally, Özel clarified a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Erdoğan. He explained that the talks addressed administrative matters to resolve municipal obstacles affecting capital services.
Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet
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Earlier coverage
- Oct 31, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCCHP leader Özel criticises AKP municipal leadership shift in Üsküdar
- Oct 30, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCTurkish opposition leader criticises ruling party over Üsküdar municipal vote
- Oct 30, 2026, 10:30 AM UTCTurkey's opposition leader slams AKP over Üsküdar district council transition
- Oct 30, 2026, 03:00 AM UTCTurkey's CHP leader criticises AKP after Üsküdar municipal council shift
- Oct 29, 2026, 09:30 PM UTCCHP leader Özel condemns AKP council takeover in Istanbul's Üsküdar
- Oct 29, 2026, 09:30 AM UTCTurkish opposition leader Özel slams AKP over Üsküdar council outcome
- Oct 29, 2026, 03:00 AM UTCCHP leader Özgür Özel criticises Turkish ruling party over Üsküdar council vote
- Oct 28, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCTurkish opposition leader Özel criticises AKP over Üsküdar council vote
- Oct 28, 2026, 03:30 PM UTCÖzgür Özel sharply criticises AKP following Üsküdar local council vote
- Oct 28, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCÖzgür Özel criticizes AKP over Üsküdar vote and clarifies Yavaş-Erdoğan meeting