Human Rights Watch urged Friedrich Merz to condemn Turkey’s crackdown on opposition voices, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Chancellor Merz called for a stronger strategic alliance with Turkey to address global challenges. He made the statement in Ankara during his first official visit, where Turkey’s mediation in the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts drew attention.
Standing beside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Merz spoke days after Turkey and the United Kingdom signed a multi-billion-euro agreement for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
Germany, a key member of the manufacturing consortium, recently ended its long opposition to exporting these aircraft to Turkey.
Defence Cooperation and Regional Tensions
Reports suggest Germany now supports Turkey’s participation in the European defence plan known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE). The €150 billion programme seeks to boost Europe’s military strength and includes options for non-EU nations such as Turkey.
Greece opposes Turkey’s inclusion, insisting Ankara must first abandon threats of war linked to sea border disputes between the two NATO allies.
Merz avoided any reference to SAFE but highlighted the need for closer collaboration. He said Germany and Turkey should fully use their shared potential in the coming years.
He emphasised that Europe faces a new geopolitical phase shaped by power politics. He declared that Europe must deepen its strategic ties, especially with Turkey.
Disagreements Over Rights and Gaza
Human Rights Watch repeated its appeal for Merz to address Turkey’s treatment of the opposition. Authorities continue to detain İmamoğlu, who denies corruption charges and now faces espionage accusations.
Merz avoided naming him but criticised Turkey’s shortcomings on rule of law and democracy from a European perspective.
Erdoğan defended the country’s judiciary, stating that courts act when anyone violates the law, regardless of status.
On Gaza, Merz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Israel since its founding after the Holocaust. He said that does not mean unconditional support for every Israeli policy.
He argued Israel used its right to self-defence but could have ended the conflict if Hamas had released hostages and surrendered.
Erdoğan accused Israel of committing genocide and using starvation as a weapon. He noted Hamas lacks nuclear arms while Israel possesses them, and he rebuked Germany for ignoring the imbalance.
He asked pointedly, “As Germany, can’t you see this?”
