Turkish opposition leader Özel condemns AKP takeover in Üsküdar

Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has strongly criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a municipal vote that transferred local executive authority in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar, Özel described the political shift as a violation of democratic norms and justice, emphasizing that opposition voters had legitimately won the district in recent local elections. Separately, during a broadcast on Koza TV, Özel addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan. The CHP leader defended the talk, arguing that direct communication between municipal heads and the presidency is necessary for public administration.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet