Turkish opposition leader Özel condemns AKP power transfer in Üsküdar
CHP leader Özgür Özel criticized President Erdoğan after a council vote handed Istanbul's Üsküdar district back to the ruling AKP, calling the proceedings undemocratic.
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a municipal council vote that returned Istanbul's Üsküdar district presidency to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a public gathering in Üsküdar Square and during a television interview on Koza TV, Özel described the administrative shift as one of the "darkest" moments in recent Turkish political history.
The controversy arose after deputy mayoral council proceedings reallocated power in the district, which the CHP had won during earlier local elections. Addressing Erdoğan directly, Özel questioned the president's commitment to democratic principles and electoral fairness. Additionally, Özel addressed Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş's recent meeting with Erdoğan, explaining that official dialogue between local government officials and the presidency remains essential despite political disputes.
Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 19, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCTurkey's opposition leader Özel slams AKP takeover of Üsküdar municipal council
- Oct 19, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCTurkey's Özel criticizes AKP over Üsküdar district vote shift
- Oct 18, 2026, 02:30 PM UTCCHP's Özel condemns transfer of Üsküdar municipal control to ruling AKP
- Oct 18, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCTurkey's opposition leader Özel criticizes Üsküdar council vote handing district to AKP
- Oct 17, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCTurkish opposition leader criticises AKP's municipal vote win in Istanbul's Üsküdar
- Oct 17, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCOpposition leader Özel condemns AKP takeover of Istanbul's Üsküdar district
- Oct 17, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCTurkish opposition leader sharply criticises AKP takeover in Istanbul's Üsküdar
- Oct 17, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCTurkey's main opposition leader condemns Üsküdar local election outcome
- Oct 16, 2026, 08:30 PM UTCTurkish opposition leader Özel condemns local council transfer in Üsküdar
- Oct 16, 2026, 04:30 PM UTCÖzgür Özel slams Üsküdar vote transfer to AKP and addresses Yavaş-Erdoğan talks