Turkish opposition leader Özel condemns local council transfer in Üsküdar
Opposition leader Özgür Özel has criticized the transfer of Istanbul's Üsküdar deputy mayoralty to the AKP, calling the vote one of Turkey's darkest political moments.
Main opposition leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized the transfer of the Üsküdar district deputy mayoralty in Istanbul to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar Square and during a television broadcast on Koza TV, Özel described the local vote outcome as "the darkest, most polluted" moment in recent Turkish political history.
Addressing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Özel questioned the government's commitment to democratic principles, pointing out that opposition Mayor Sinem Dedetaş had originally won the district with legitimate support. Özel also provided context on recent discussions between Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, explaining why the meeting took place despite heightened tensions between the opposition and the administration.
Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet.
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 04:30 PM UTCÖzgür Özel slams Üsküdar vote transfer to AKP and addresses Yavaş-Erdoğan talks
- Oct 16, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCTurkish opposition chief Özel condemns ruling party over Istanbul district vote
- Oct 16, 2026, 03:30 AM UTCTurkish opposition chief Özel slams AKP over Istanbul district vote
- Oct 15, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCTurkish opposition leader Özel condemns AKP over Üsküdar local vote
- Oct 15, 2026, 04:00 PM UTCTurkey's opposition leader criticises ruling party over Üsküdar municipal vote