Turkish opposition leader Özel criticizes AKP over Üsküdar vote

Main Opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a municipal vote that transferred local administration in Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Speaking at a public gathering in Üsküdar and during a television broadcast, Özel described the council proceedings as anti-democratic, challenging Erdoğan directly over fairness in local elections.

Özel also addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, framing the encounter as routine administrative consultation rather than political compromise. He emphasized that local opposition administrations would continue fulfilling their public duties despite administrative and political pressure.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet