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Change through rapprochement? The conservative wing of the SPD parliamentary group is demanding this star-Information on a “future-oriented Turkey policy” for a robust partnership – after the Erdogan era.
The conservative wing of the SPD parliamentary group wants to intensify and further develop political relations with Turkey in order to strengthen German-Turkish relations for a time after Erdogan. “Turkey is an important partner country and should remain so,” says a strategy paper from the Seeheimer Kreis star is present. “Turkey is not Recep Tayyip Erdogan.”
The Seeheimers are bringing faster visa procedures into play, as well as an expansion of the customs union, for example to include agricultural products or services. Both Turkey and Europe could benefit from this. Turkey’s EU accession prospects should also be maintained, even though this is “realistically designed to last for decades” with a view to the rule of law.
However, there should not be too much accommodation “without reliable signs of change,” demand the SPD politicians. The “pounds” that you hold in your hand should not be handed over to Erdogan. Visa freedom in particular is something “Turkey is thirsty for”. First of all, internal structures – corruption, the rule of law or freedom of the press – must be “turned upside down”. Otherwise, these “achievements” could strengthen Erdogan in his position and “repressive course.”
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As far as visas are concerned, Germany should still make an effort “so that the procedures no longer take forever.” This also serves self-interest when it comes to skilled workers and workers. Today’s regular procedures would be incredibly lengthy and put a strain on both private and commercial relationships between the two countries.
The Seeheimer Circle sharply criticizes the Turkish president’s autocratic and “unpredictable” policies, not least his “unacceptable” statements about Israel and the “trivialization” of Hamas terror. At the same time, the economic and social significance of the German-Turkish relationship is emphasized. The country plays a key geostrategic role; Turkey is also an important partner state for Germany when it comes to recruiting skilled workers and workers or in migration policy.
“It is clear: the country will no longer experience any profound change during the Erdoğan era,” says the position paper, which fills eight A4 pages. But Germany and Europe should not let this time pass. Otherwise, Turkey could look for other partners “who would compete with Europe.” The Seeheimers are therefore calling for a pragmatic and “future-oriented Turkey policy”, which must also be guided by a “clear but cooperative approach to all points of criticism”.
“To counteract Erdogan’s unpredictable policies”
“We want to counteract Erdogan’s unpredictable policies and strengthen German-Turkish relations for a time after Erdogan,” said SPD member of the Bundestag Macit Karaahmetoğlu star. This can only be achieved with a clear attitude, sufficient pragmatism and a clear strategic direction. We have to approach Turkey “on an equal footing” and not let Erdogan’s “impulsive outbursts” dissuade us from the path, said Karaahmetoğlu, who is deputy chairman of the German-Turkish parliamentary group in the Bundestag.
The SPD MP and former Governing Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller also promotes a partnership. “Turkey is a difficult partner, but it would be wrong to only see President Erdogan,” he told the star. Decades of relationships must be built on “in order to be able to respond together to the crises in the world.” Müller is also a member of the German-Turkish Society, whose chairman is Karaahmetoğlu. Karaahmetoğlu largely wrote the paper.
The core of the strategy paper is the premise that Turkey under Erdogan is too important a partner to be ignored. During the Ukraine war, the Turkish president brokered an agreement that enabled Ukraine to export grain across the Black Sea. Erdogan could revive the agreement after the aggressor Russia canceled it.
The country is also seen as playing an important mediating role in the Middle East war. Turkey could use its influence in the region, for example, by freeing the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This may also be the hope of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who received the Turkish President in Berlin on Friday.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
