Oct 30, 2026, 04:00 PM UTC

Turkish opposition leader criticizes government over Istanbul district vote

CHP leader Özgür Özel criticized the transfer of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district to the AKP and clarified Ankara Mayor Yavaş's meeting with Erdoğan.

Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has condemned the transfer of control of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) following a local council vote. Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar and during a broadcast on Koza TV, Özel described the process as anti-democratic and an infringement on local voters' will. Addressing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Özel questioned the government’s commitment to democratic standards.

Additionally, Özel clarified a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Erdoğan. He explained that the talks addressed administrative matters to resolve municipal obstacles affecting capital services.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet

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Serbia aims for two major investors in Kraljevo to create 1,000 jobs

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans for two major investments in Kraljevo, while the National Assembly in Belgrade concluded Monday's session.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced during a visit to Kraljevo that his administration will work to secure two major industrial investments for the municipality over the next 12 months. According to Vučić, the proposed projects aim to generate around 1,000 new jobs, offering a employment boost to central Serbia.

In separate domestic developments, parliamentary proceedings in Belgrade concluded early Monday evening. The Serbian National Assembly adjourned shortly after 6:00 PM local time following its scheduled legislative agenda. Parliament is set to reconvene on Tuesday at 10:00 AM to address the remaining items on the schedule.

Sources: Tanjug

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French police deploy heavy security as nationwide protests yield over 1,300 arrests

French police made over 1,300 arrests nationwide during October 24 protests, as heavy security was deployed for the Rassemblement National congress in Orléans.

French authorities deployed extensive security measures during nationwide demonstrations on October 24 and the Rassemblement National (RN) party congress in Orléans. Nearly 3,000 law enforcement officers were stationed in Orléans to manage an expected 20,000 to 30,000 counter-protesters. The Loiret prefecture prohibited unauthorized public gatherings in Orléans on October 25 and imposed a nighttime curfew for minors under 15. In Paris, police monitored crowds using surveillance drones.

Across France, the October 24 protests resulted in 1,314 arrests, with 126 people taken into custody in Paris. Officials reported that 53 security personnel sustained injuries during the demonstrations.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération.