German Minister Slams Erdogan's 'interference' In Germany's Vote
Sumaira FH Published August 18, 2017 | 07:30 PM
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel hit out Friday against "interference" by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Germany's elections
BERLIN, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Aug, 2017 ) - German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel hit out Friday against "interference" by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Germany's elections, after the Turkish leader urged Turks living abroad not to vote for parties of the ruling coalition.
"That is an unprecedented act of interference in the sovereignty of our country," Gabriel told the RedaktionsNetzwerk media group. "Erdogan's interference in Germany's electoral campaign shows that he wants to incite people in Germany against each other," he said.
Gabriel urged Germans to push back by turning up in strength at the polls and voting for parties that champion democracy. "Let's show those who want to play us against each other that we will not participate in this evil game," he said.
Erdogan's move also did not go down well with the Turkish community.
Atila Karaborklu, the co-chairman of Germany's Turkish Community association, accused Erdogan of "seeking to divide German society".
His aim is "to hurt German democracy," charged Karaborklu. Erdogan on Friday called on Turks living in Germany not to vote for the two parties in Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling grand coalition or the Greens in next month's legislative elections, calling them "enemies of Turkey".
Upping the stakes in a intensifying row with Berlin, Erdogan said ethnic Turks in Germany should not cast their ballots either for Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Gabriel's Social Democratic Party (SPD), or the Greens.
Tensions have spiralled in recent months between Germany and Turkey, in one of the most significant crises in years between two NATO allies with long-standing historical links.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Government, lender banks conclude PIA’s commercial debt negotiations
Man gets 14 years imprisonment in drugs case
Punjab police accelerate crackdown on drug peddlers
DC reviews meeting, takes action against token tax violations, traffic rules
44 arrested for kite flying in 24 hours
Boao forum for Asia 2024 concludes on successful note
Turkey's Erdogan to hold White House talks with Biden in May
Rana Mashhood appointed chairman PM's Youth Programme
IGP inspects under-construction safe city building, Liaquat Bagh Service Center
IG says security of foreign nationals, projects to be ensured at all cost
President Biden writes letter to PM Shehbaz, expresses best wishes for newly ele ..
DC Larkana chairs meeting regarding Youm-e-Ali arrangements
More Stories From World
-
Boao forum for Asia 2024 concludes on successful note
15 minutes ago -
Turkey's Erdogan to hold White House talks with Biden in May
15 minutes ago -
China special team carries out emergency response work with Chinese Embassy in Pakistan: Lin Jian
2 hours ago -
Disinformation targeting Brigitte Macron spreads beyond France
2 hours ago -
Polish president vetoes move to restore access to emergency contraception
2 hours ago -
Turkey's Erdogan braces for tete-a-tete with Biden in May
2 hours ago
-
Ukraine warns power supply under threat amid deadly Russian attacks
2 hours ago -
Leaders Madrid face Athletic in final run towards Liga title
2 hours ago -
Impact of Baltimore port closure on global supply chains
2 hours ago -
Clean energy expo China concluded, showing global green efforts
2 hours ago -
World court orders Israel ensure urgent aid for war-ravaged Gaza
2 hours ago -
Press Release from Business Wire: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC
3 hours ago