Ankara's decision: Germany is both cautious and on alert

IŞIN ERTÜRK - STUTTGART

The "absolute nullity" ruling against the CHP has mobilized politics, the European press, and the Turkish-origin community in Germany. As CHP protests that began in Berlin have spread to Stuttgart, stern statements have come from German politics. In the European media, comments that take a direct political stance, rather than just expressing "concern," are now coming to the fore.

The headline used by the center-left Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper, published in Germany, is striking: "Experts warn against Erdoğan's treacherous plan: Turkey is being dragged into the abyss."

The German left-liberal Der Spiegel wrote that Erdoğan is "rubbing his hands" in the face of the developments, while journalist Thomas Seibert at the Swiss public broadcaster SRF argued that Erdoğan is moving toward dismantling the CHP. Tagesschau, the main news program of Germany's public broadcaster ARD, highlighted the words of German Foreign Policy Spokesperson Johann Wadephul: "This decision contradicts Turkey's EU goal."

But the real debate in Europe is elsewhere: Will Berlin truly take a clear stance on democracy and the rule of law?

Will the strategic relations maintained with Ankara continue to take precedence over all criticism?

The white elephant is still in the middle of the room, and no one can talk about it. In other words, the question whose answer is awaited still remains: Will Berlin settle for just watching with "concern" again?

It is in this very atmosphere that a series of stern statements have come from politicians of Turkish origin in Germany.

GREEN POLITICIAN CEMAL BOZOĞLU: "OPERATION AGAINST CHP IS THE FINAL STEP"

Cemal Bozoğlu, a member of the Bavarian State Parliament for the Alliance 90/The Greens and the parliamentary group's officer for developing strategies against the far-right, stated that the fundamental pillars of democracy have been dismantled following Turkey's transition to a presidential system.

In his statement to 12punto, Bozoğlu expressed the following:

"After the transition to this freak presidential system in Turkey, the most fundamental structural features of democracy were eliminated. For example, the possibility for the separation of powers, the legal and justice system, the parliamentary system, and administrative institutions to act independently of each other and to audit each other was eliminated. The entire country is being managed based on a single person, with decisions made by a single person. It is not possible for this to be sustainable.

When today's government began to lose its majority in society, it started to put its oppressive methods into effect. Here, the feature of being replaceable, which is one of the most important prerequisites of democracy, has also been eliminated or is being attempted to be eliminated. We can say that the operation currently being conducted against the CHP is the final step of this. If they succeed, it will be determined that the ways to organize against the administration and change it have been blocked once and for all. For this reason, the resistance shown by the Republican People's Party today is very important for the future of Turkey.

Its effect on the public also means the elimination of the possibilities of self-defense, and the weakening of trade union freedoms, freedom of thought, and freedom of information.

As for relations with Europe, the European Union has acted along this line toward Turkey so far: As long as Turkey fulfills our demands, we do not see a serious problem with the existence of this system. This also applies to America. We saw this in the refugee deal. We also see this when we consider the position Turkey has taken in military and political conflicts in the Middle East. Turkey has been brought to a position of a country that can be easily persuaded in line with the interests of the West and America.

In a democratic country, you need to persuade society. You need to persuade the opposition. You need to take into account critical voices in the press. This is difficult. But in a country indexed to a single person, you can get everything you want done when you persuade one person. Turkey is at such a point right now.

Democratic forces in Europe need to take a clear and explicit stance. Today, the CHP must be protected. Trade unions, democratic organizations, student movements, and civil society movements need to support the struggle for democracy in Turkey. We all have a duty in this regard. In order for the developments in Turkey to be well understood here, society needs to be enlightened and social support needs to be organized. I see this as an important task for the coming period. I believe that whatever rights we have here, the people living in Turkey should also have these rights. I will continue my efforts in this direction."

SPD MP KARAAHMETOĞLU: THE TURKISH COMMUNITY WILL REACT

Macit Karaahmetoğlu, a member of the German Federal Parliament for the Social Democratic Party (SPD), also criticized the decision with harsh words. Karaahmetoğlu also chairs one of the most important committees in the Federal Parliament, which corresponds to the constitutional commission in Turkey.

In his statement to the public, Karaahmetoğlu described the removal of Özgür Özel from office by a court decision as a "grave intervention in the will of the people and democratic functioning."

Stating that concerns regarding the use of judicial mechanisms as a tool of pressure against political rivals are increasing, Karaahmetoğlu emphasized that the space for opposition is being narrowed for 2028 and beyond.

In his statement, the SPD politician said, "Law and justice will be needed by everyone one day." He also called on the Western world. He stated that remaining silent while the standards of the rule of law are being damaged will destroy credibility.

Karaahmetoğlu gave the following response to the questions, "How does this decision affect the Turkish community living in Europe?" and "Will Germany impose any sanctions on Turkey after this decision?":

"Of course, our citizens living in Germany follow political developments in Turkey as closely as they do in Germany. This decision, even if not directly, will create a deep sense of insecurity among our citizens living in Germany. A significant majority of the Turkish community, who are accustomed to democratic standards in Germany, will react to this decision, regardless of which party they belong to.

As for Germany imposing sanctions on Turkey, of course, Germany could impose some economic sanctions on Turkey by acting together with the EU. However, this would not be the right decision. An economic sanction to be imposed on Turkey would affect low-income people living in that country, regardless of their party, and would put millions of people who are especially in favor of democracy and the rule of law in a difficult situation. I do not find it right to punish the entire Turkish society for an unlawful attempt made by the government for its political ambitions.

What needs to be done is to provide support to democratic institutions and all political parties in Turkey and to express with a strong voice that they are not alone.

"IF THE 'ABSOLUTE NULLITY' RULING HAD BEEN BEFORE HAKAN FİDAN'S VISIT..."

This is where an important duty falls to the Federal German Government. These unlawful developments in Turkey should be conveyed not with a few weak statements, but with a strong message.

Just three days ago, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was here and was received at the highest level by Chancellor Scholz himself. In this meeting, as far as we have followed from the press, Turkey had demands such as the renewal of the Customs Union, the revitalization of the EU membership process, and visa liberalization.

The Turkish court's decision, which appears to be aimed at destroying the opposition in line with the government's interests, is diametrically opposed to the EU's democratic values. If this decision had taken place before Hakan Fidan's visit, I think Germany would have reacted very differently to this visit."

KENAN KOLAT: "THE DECISION SHOULD NOT GAIN VALIDITY"

Politics and strategy consultant Kenan Kolat also described the decision as "contrary to established practice." Kolat also criticized the attitude of former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu with harsh words.

In his special statement, Kolat said the following:

"I am closely following current developments in Germany and Turkey. The decision taken regarding the CHP congress is a decision that is completely contrary to established practice. This decision should not gain validity in any way. It is also very sad that the former chairman has emerged and started making appointments as if he were elected in order to implement this decision.

I call on the former chairman (Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu), who has taken steps that could lead to the division of the party, to turn back from this attitude. Actually, there was one thing he could have done. If he had said, 'I am against the nullity, but since such a decision has been made, then we are going to elections immediately within a month' the moment the decision was announced, perhaps an environment of consensus could have been formed. However, by not doing this and by taking a stance against the current chairman and the elected administration, he has led to the weakening of the Republican People's Party. Perhaps he will take his place in history in a bad way as a name who led to losing this election just as he lost the first one.

Let's come to Germany and Europe. The issue of the politicization of law, which has been increasing in Turkey in recent years, is being watched. Although it is being watched, the European Union is not passing a good test on this issue. The German Foreign Minister finds the developments 'worrying.' That is, just worried. Well, can anything be done? There is nothing on this matter. There is no concrete statement regarding these wrongs by summoning Turkey's ambassador or taking other measures.

"SPD IS BEHIND ÖZGÜR ÖZEL"

The Social Democratic Party has so far announced that it is behind Özgür Özel and behind the CHP. This is important. I think what needs to be done is to constantly bring this issue to the agenda in bilateral relations after such a decision and to give the necessary messages publicly.

We all believe in the functionality of the rule of law and democracy in Turkey. We love Turkey very much. That is why we are making these criticisms to the current government anyway. We who live abroad are very distressed and very sad that Turkey is turning into a country that is anti-democratic on a global scale, does not recognize the law, and does not accept freedom of the press. This is actually the biggest negative thing done to our community here.

Because since we have ties to Turkey, and because the people here express their loyalty to Turkey, every negativity in Turkey, racism, and hostility toward Turks, Turkey, and Islam comes upon us. The burden of wrong policies in Turkey comes upon our people here. German politics also needs to understand this and take a stance accordingly.

Democratic-minded people in Europe and Germany need to be supported. Necessary measures need to be taken so that nothing happens to them in Turkey. I hope that a government will be formed in Turkey that we can all defend with our heads held high in Europe, that contains the principles of a democratic rule of law, and that defends freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Then we will stand against racism and hostility toward Turks, Turkey, and Islam in Germany and Europe much more clearly and decisively. But unfortunately, those days are not very close for now."

DER SPIEGEL: "ERDOĞAN IS RUBBING HIS HANDS"

The European press also evaluated the decision with harsh headlines. Der Spiegel wrote that the removal of the CHP administration has put the Turkish opposition under heavy pressure. The magazine drew attention to the possibility of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu becoming the head of the party again. It included comments that he is seen as a "perpetual loser" and a "traitor" for Kılıçdaroğlu.

Der Spiegel's most striking assessment was about Erdoğan. Stating that President Erdoğan might be pleased with the development, the magazine used the phrase "Erdoğan is rubbing his hands."

SRF: "ERDOĞAN IS MOVING FORWARD IN DISMANTLING THE CHP"

Swiss public broadcaster SRF included the assessments of journalist Thomas Seibert. Seibert said that allegations of irregularities might have been brought up in the CHP in the past, but there is no picture proven in a concrete way in court.

According to Seibert, the real issue lies elsewhere. With the election of Özgür Özel in the CHP, both a programmatic and generational change took place. The traditionalist wing retreated, and the innovators came to the fore. This change made the CHP one of the most powerful political actors in the country.

Seibert argued that Erdoğan is moving forward in weakening the CHP through the judiciary. He evaluated the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the investigations into numerous CHP politicians, and the defection of some CHP members to the AKP as parts of the same line.

The risk highlighted by SRF is division. It was stated that if the CHP is fragmented between the Kılıçdaroğlu wing and the Özel wing, this will work in Erdoğan's favor. Seibert explained this picture with the logic of "divide and rule."

TAGESSCHAU: "CONTRADICTS EU GOAL"

Tagesschau highlighted Özgür Özel's decision not to leave the party headquarters against the court ruling. In the news, Özel's words, "As long as the AKP's judicial authorities, not CHP members, decide who will manage the CHP, I will stay in this building and I will not go anywhere," were quoted.

Tagesschau also included the statement of German Foreign Policy Spokesperson Johann Wadephul. Wadephul stated that Turkey says it continues its European Union membership goal, but this decision against the CHP contradicts this declaration.

Berlin's sentence is clear. But its attitude is still measured. This is exactly where the debate begins.

ŞİRİN ÜSTÜN: "THE BALLOT BOX IS THE TARGET"

Following Berlin, preparations for a protest are also being made in Stuttgart. CHP Württemberg Union President Şirin Üstün called for the action to be held on May 23.

The following statements were included in the CHP Württemberg Union's statement:

"This decision was not struck against a party, but directly against the will of the nation.

Now, the meaning of the ballot box is being targeted. The law has been silenced, and democracy has been placed under siege.

The YSK (Supreme Election Council) has been effectively destroyed, and the path to a change of government through elections has been sought to be closed.

This is a heavy blow to the future of law, justice, and the republic.

Now is not the time to remain silent.

We call on everyone to protect their homeland, to protect democracy, and to protect the will of the people.

There is no salvation alone. Either all together or none of us."

The action will be held on May 23 between 17:00 and 19:00 at Marktplatz, one of Stuttgart's important squares.

DİDF: "COUP AGAINST THE OPPOSITION"

Meanwhile, the Germany-based Federation of Democratic Workers' Associations (DİDF) also reacted harshly to the decision against the CHP. In the statement made by the federation's board of directors, it was stated that authoritarianism in Turkey has entered a new phase.

In the DİDF statement, it was emphasized that the Ankara Regional Court of Justice's cancellation of the CHP congress and the decisions taken afterward was "a coup rarely seen in world political history."

The following statements stood out in the statement:

"The authoritarian Erdoğan regime in Turkey has signed another new decision that tramples on democracy. A scandalous decision was signed against the main opposition CHP, which is the country's leading party according to the latest polls."

DİDF stated that after the operations against Ekrem İmamoğlu and numerous mayors, now the CHP administration itself is being targeted.

In the statement, which said, "When Erdoğan saw that he could not stop the rise of the CHP, this time he carried out a coup against the party administration," it was argued that the decision taken targeted not only the CHP but also the right to vote and be elected.

The federation also made a stern call to the European Union and Germany:

"We call on all European countries, especially Germany, and EU institutions to end the dirty interest relations they have established with the Erdoğan regime and the open or covert support they give to this regime."

DİDF called on all democratic public opinion to show solidarity with the forces of democracy in Turkey.

EUROPE'S TEST

We can summarize the developments as follows: Germany is truly facing a very difficult question.

On one side, there are strategic relations with Turkey. Customs Union, visa liberalization, EU process, migration negotiations, security policies, and diplomatic contacts.

On the other side, there is the rule of law, democracy, ballot box security, and the right of the opposition to exist.

In a period when the opposition in Turkey is besieged by judicial decisions, the reaction that Europe will give cannot be perceived solely as a message to Ankara. It will also be a measure of Brussels' "claim to democracy."

Likewise, if Berlin truly says the rule of law, it has to show this at every table it sets with Ankara, not by limiting it to statement texts.

Because the question is now clear.

Will Europe defend democracy, or will its geopolitical interests prevail and once again take precedence over the law?

IŞIN ERTÜRK - STUTTGART