Turkish opposition leader Özel criticizes AKP over Üsküdar mayoral vote

Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey's opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), has publicly criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following the transfer of the acting mayoralty in Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar and during a television appearance, Özel challenged Erdoğan's commitment to democratic principles, characterizing the local council vote outcome as a violation of voter intent.

The CHP had won the district leadership in recent municipal elections. Özel described the local council proceedings as unethical and contrary to political fairness. During his television interview, Özel also addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, explaining that the talks focused strictly on resolving municipal administrative obstacles in the capital.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet