Germany used to be known for its diplomatic and self-possessed mediator role. It was also was known to be immune to provocations when its self-interests were in question. The chancellors, foreign ministers, and party chairs would take great care in avoiding verbosity and offensive messages to foreign governments and administrators. Unfortunately, however, we have observed over the past years that this is no longer the case.
As the German electorate, you have a great responsibility in defending not just Germany's interests but the EU's as well. Sadly, you do not have trustworthy leaders like Willy Brandt, Gerhard Schröder, Konrad Adenauer or Helmut Kohl anymore. Neither do you have foreign ministers who can protect Germany's interests while being adept in reconciling countries in conflict, of which the last epitome was Joschka Fischer.
I was a member of the European Parliament (EP) when Schröder was the German chancellor and Fischer the foreign minister. On one occasion, I issued a press release regarding an individual who was being detained in Iran, following which the Iranian ambassador to Berlin asked for an appointment. Despite a number of requests, I rejected them an appointment.
Then one day, while on an EP meeting in Strasbourg, someone knocked on my door. It was Iran's ambassador to France. During our conversation, he gave me a meaningful message: "Mr. Ceyhun. I assume you are not aware of the importance of the relations between Germany and Iran. I suggest you counsel your government before issuing a press release."
He was right. This was a German reality. A parliament member elected in Germany must be very careful when Germany's interests were in question. But how could this be forgotten?
The Left, a party which is in the federal parliament, has problems with Germany's interests and therefore sides with the outlawed PKK while taking a stance against Turkey. Despite all its anti-human right policies, the party still receives around 8 percent of the vote in Germany. Such cases can be observed in every country.
The situation of the Greens is also desperate. Surely, they contradict the policies represented by Fischer at the time. A co-chair in the party, who is antagonistic to Turkey, evidently for personal reasons, seems to be obsessed with it, ceaselessly issuing remarks against the country. This is a great misfortune for Germany. It is sad that a party like the Greens, who can take on major responsibilities, is struggling in a swamp of anti-Turkey sentiments.
The saddest part, however, is the situation of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). Those who have dragged carried the party, once represented by Schröder, to such condition must be ashamed. The policies followed by these politicians not only contradict Germany's interests but also undermine the SPD as well as the entire Germany and the EU.In particular, the hostility against Turkey provoked by the party has caused discomfort for the Socialist International member parties who are in power across the EU. They do not hold such anti-Turkey ideals since the SPD's demands also undermine the EU's interests.
The current and previous co-chairs of the SPD, Martin Schulz and Sigmar Gabriel respectively, are trying to mislead the federal government with wrong policies and sabotaging Germany-Turkey relations would not by any means favor the German industry. Turkey is an invaluable country for Germany in terms of economy. So, a stance against Turkey would lead to revenue loss for many German sectors in the long run. Does Schulz promise you, the German electorate, this downfall?
Germany's interests are in your hands. By misinforming you about Turkey, they want you, the electorate, to support a false crisis whereas Germany cannot afford to have a crisis with Russia, China, U.S., Brazil or Turkey. During the embargo on Iran, German businessmen were among those who lead in not conforming to it. Did Germany not know what was going on there?
Cooperation will favor both Germany and Turkey. The airlines of the Germany and Turkey are among the world leaders in the sector. Both countries also have the busiest airports in the world. Germany can work as a gate to the EU for Turkey while Turkey itself can be a business partner for Germany in Africa.
Being on friendly terms with Turkey will bring economic acquisitions and peaceful societal life, which means a better future for Germany. Please consider all these while going to the polls. Do not let the new government to be manipulated by ministers with anti-Turkey sentiments. This is possible. Public surveys show that the CDU/CSU alliance does not have to form a coalition with any party that shares an anti-Turkey stance.
It is time for a change.