Turkish opposition leader slams Üsküdar municipal handover to ruling AKP

Main Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized the transfer of Istanbul's Üsküdar municipality to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) following a controversial deputy mayoral election. Addressing a public gathering in Üsküdar and speaking during a televised broadcast, Özel called the council proceedings a dark moment for domestic politics and directly challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's democratic record. He emphasized that the opposition had secured Üsküdar, long considered an AKP stronghold, through a legitimate public vote.

Additionally, Özel commented on a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, describing it as a routine administrative dialogue to ensure uninterrupted municipal services in the capital.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet