Human Rights Watch urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to denounce Turkey’s crackdown on opposition figures, including the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
On Thursday, during his first official visit to Ankara, Merz called for a deeper strategic alliance between Europe and Turkey to tackle global challenges. He praised Turkey’s role as a key mediator in the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Standing beside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Merz spoke just days after Turkey and the United Kingdom completed a multibillion-euro deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Germany, a member of the consortium that produces the aircraft, recently lifted its long-standing export ban on deliveries to Turkey.
Reports also indicated German support for Turkey’s involvement in the European defence programme known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), a €150 billion initiative to boost continental military power. The programme allows non-EU nations, such as Turkey, to join joint defence efforts. Greece strongly rejected Turkey’s inclusion, insisting Ankara must first withdraw its war threat related to maritime disputes between the two NATO allies.
Merz avoided direct mention of SAFE but emphasised cooperation. “Germany and Turkey must harness our relationship’s vast potential in the coming months and years,” he said. “We are entering a new geopolitical era defined by great-power politics. Germans and Europeans must strengthen strategic partnerships, and a strong alliance with Turkey is indispensable.”
Tensions Surface Over Rights and Democracy
Human Rights Watch pressed Merz to challenge Ankara over its treatment of political opponents and İmamoğlu’s imprisonment. The opposition leader, a major rival to Erdoğan, remains in pretrial detention on corruption charges he denies. Authorities recently added espionage accusations.
Merz refrained from naming İmamoğlu but stated, “Turkey has made decisions that fall short of our democratic and rule-of-law standards.” Erdoğan defended his country’s judiciary, asserting, “In a state governed by law, authorities must act when anyone violates it, regardless of their position.”
Gaza Conflict Deepens Diplomatic Divide
Merz reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering support for Israel since its founding after the Holocaust but insisted, “That doesn’t mean we accept every Israeli government decision without criticism.” He condemned Hamas for prolonging the Gaza war, saying, “Israel exercised its right to self-defence. The war would have ended if Hamas had freed the hostages and laid down its weapons.”
Erdoğan countered sharply, accusing Israel of using “starvation and genocide” as instruments of war. He argued that Hamas lacks the heavy weaponry Israel holds and criticised Germany for ignoring the imbalance. “Can’t you see this, Germany?” he asked.
