The Turkish campaign in Germany. Rising tensions between Berlin and Ankara. OSW COMMENTARY 2017-03-23

Frymark, Kamil (2017) The Turkish campaign in Germany. Rising tensions between Berlin and Ankara. OSW COMMENTARY 2017-03-23. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

The influx of migrants to Germany and the conclusion of an agreement between the European Union and Turkey intended at stopping migrants from coming to the EU have shown that Germany’s internal policy is being increasingly influenced by decisions made by the Turkish government. The agreement might have introduced new dynamics to German-Turkish relations and brought about closer co-operation between the two countries but the situation became seriously complicated following a failed coup d’état in Turkey in July 2016 and President Erdogan’s response to it. Mass arrests and repression in Turkey are seen in Germany as an instrument of consolidation of Erdogan’s power, which is increasingly morphing into an oppressive authoritarian regime. Turkey’s plan to change the country’s constitution and to hold a referendum on it is perceived in this context.

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