Crisis in CHP on the German press's agenda: An anxious look at Turkish democracy

Following the Ankara Regional Court of Justice's decision regarding the CHP's party congress process, the removal of the party leadership and the evacuation of the CHP Headquarters under the escort of police forces have also become a topic in the foreign press. German newspapers and commentary columns have made harsh assessments containing clear warnings regarding democratic norms and the rule of law in relation to these developments.

The following remarks stood out in a commentary published in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung:

"At first glance, the raid on the CHP Headquarters in Ankara might seem 'just' another step in Turkey's long march toward an authoritarian system. However, this step is heavier than many other steps taken by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He does not shy away from the hostile takeover of the party of the republic's founder, Atatürk."

In the newspaper's commentary, it was argued that a "puppet" was brought to the head of the CHP "with the help of a submissive judge" following the court decision, and it was stated that what happened could be "a turning point." Furthermore, it was questioned "whether those who have supported Erdoğan until now will follow him on the path to an authoritarian state."

SHOULD EU POLICIES BE REVIEWED?

Frankfurter Rundschau, on the other hand, stated that the European Union and Germany should re-evaluate their Turkey policy in the face of these events. In the commentary, after the statement, “The federal government supports Turkey's effort to join the EU. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed this last week,” it continued with the following assessment:

"One wonders how much longer Berlin wants to cling to this illusion in the face of the latest developments in Ankara. A court removes the leadership of the largest opposition party, the CHP, and the police raid the CHP Headquarters to enforce a non-final decision with batons. Analyst Gönül Tol writes that Turkey is increasingly approaching the Russian model.

Critics already see Erdoğan as a 'Turkish Putin.' Should such a person sit at the table in Brussels? The EU should not reward the accelerating dismantling of Turkish democracy with the resumption of perspective-less membership negotiations and talks on expanding the Customs Union. Now, it has to decide whether it still wants to keep Turkey as a candidate country."

NATO AND SUMMIT DISCUSSIONS

Pforzheimer Zeitung draws attention to the effects of Turkey's current political atmosphere on the NATO summit to be held in Ankara in July. The commentary argues that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosting NATO countries at the summit in Ankara brings with it the risk of removing the "once-praised community of values" from political discourse.

The article states that the US is increasingly distancing itself from Europe under its current president, while Germany is seeking alliances with different middle powers, and includes the following question: "Turkey is one of these powers. Who is surprised that the President (Erdoğan) does as he pleases?"

PROPOSAL TO CHANGE THE SUMMIT LOCATION

Saarbrücker Zeitung went further and argued that the NATO summit should not be held in Ankara. The striking part of the commentary was as follows:

"This would be the right response the West could give to President Erdoğan's latest blow to the Turkish opposition. For this decision, the US and Europe should prioritize the norms of democracy and the rule of law rather than Turkey's role in the Middle East and its importance in arming against Russia. If this is not done, Erdoğan will understand this as an invitation to continue as he has done so far. NATO should not support this, even if it is uncomfortable."

DEMOCRACY DEBATES CONTINUE

The common point that stands out in the analyses in the German media is that the question of whether the developments in Turkey are compatible with Western institutions and values is being asked more and more loudly. Especially when it comes to democracy, the rule of law, opposition rights, and international political cooperation, calls for the German public and political circles to review their approach to Turkey are noteworthy.

News Source: 12punto