Erdogan’s unhelpful remarks
The Turkish president’s comments about Germany help foster a toxic political climate
The relationship between Germany and Turkey is a complex one. Beginning in the 1950s, when thousands of Turks moved to Germany as part of a guest worker programme designed to rebuild the German economy after the Second World War, the countries have shared a special bond. But as Turkey has drifted away from the prospect of European Union membership over the past decade, tensions have bubbled to the surface. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, has now strained relations even further with outlandish comments over cancelled political rallies in Germany.
The confusion began when German authorities cancelled several rallies organised by Turkish citizens in Germany, aimed at drumming up support for a Turkish referendum on abolishing the role of prime minister in Turkey and extending the power of the president. Mr Erdogan has pegged his political future on a yes vote in the referendum, and to achieve it he will need the support of Turkish citizens living in Germany.
When German authorities withdrew permission for two referendum rallies last week, Mr Erdogan accused the government of “fascist actions” reminiscent of Germany’s Nazi past. While Germany doesn’t shy away from the darkest chapters of its history, such comments caused outrage among politicians and society at large. The deputy leader of the Christian Democratic Union went as far to say that Mr Erdogan was “reacting like a wilful child that cannot have his way”.
With these comments, Mr Erdogan moved far beyond diplomatic protocol. But his behaviour follows a pattern of aggressive statements and actions between Ankara and Berlin. Turkey recently arrested a Turkish-Germany journalist, which has cause public outrage. Indeed, a majority of Germans believe that the German government has been too accommodating to Turkey over Ankara’s threats to the European Union with refugees and Mr Erdogan’s growing authoritarian tendencies.
Turkey is a critical partner in the war against extremism, efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the Syrian civil war and attempts to find a solution to the global refugee crisis. Aggressive statements deliberately designed to sow anger will not help solve the many challenges facing Germany and Turkey. The time is ripe to work together instead of against each other.