Human Rights Watch urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to condemn Turkey’s crackdown on opposition members, including Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Merz called for a deeper strategic alliance with Turkey to face new global challenges during his first official visit to Ankara. Turkey continues to act as a key mediator in the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Standing beside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Merz spoke days after Turkey and the United Kingdom closed a multi-billion-euro deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Germany, part of the jet’s manufacturing consortium, recently removed its export ban on the aircraft’s sale to Turkey.
Expanding Defence Cooperation
Reports indicate that Germany supports Turkey’s involvement in the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, which aims to boost Europe’s defence strength. The plan allows non-EU countries like Turkey to join joint military projects.
Greece strongly objects to Turkey’s inclusion, insisting Ankara must first withdraw its war threats linked to sea boundary disputes between the two NATO allies.
Merz avoided direct mention of SAFE but stressed collaboration’s importance.
“Germany and Turkey must use the vast potential of our relationship more effectively in the coming years,” he said.
He highlighted a shift toward a new geopolitical era shaped by great power politics. “Europe must expand its strategic partnerships, and a closer partnership with Turkey is essential,” Merz declared.
Tensions Over Human Rights and Gaza
Tensions rose during the joint press conference when human rights and Gaza surfaced. Human Rights Watch again called on Merz to denounce Turkey’s treatment of the opposition and İmamoğlu’s arrest.
Authorities have held İmamoğlu, a major Erdoğan rival, in pretrial detention since March on disputed corruption charges. Officials recently filed new espionage accusations against him.
Merz avoided naming İmamoğlu but criticised Turkey’s democratic standards. “Turkey has made decisions that fall short of European rule-of-law expectations,” he said. Erdoğan defended Turkey’s courts, asserting that anyone who violates the law faces necessary judicial action.
On Gaza, Merz reaffirmed Germany’s enduring support for Israel while maintaining the right to criticise Israeli policies. He condemned Hamas for prolonging the conflict by refusing to release hostages or lay down arms.
Erdoğan countered by accusing Israel of committing “starvation and genocide” and argued that Germany ignores the power imbalance. “Can’t you see this?” he asked.
