Human Rights Watch urged Friedrich Merz to condemn Turkey’s repression of opposition figures, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.
During his first official visit to Ankara, Merz called for a stronger European strategic partnership with Turkey to confront global challenges.
Standing beside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he spoke days after Turkey and the United Kingdom finalized a multibillion-euro deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
Germany, a member of the jet’s manufacturing consortium, recently ended its long opposition to exporting the aircraft to Turkey.
Germany Backs Turkey’s Role in European Defense
Reports indicate that Germany supports Turkey’s participation in the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which aims to strengthen Europe’s military capacity.
The plan allows non-EU states, including Turkey, to join defense projects.
Greece objected, demanding that Turkey withdraw its threat of war over maritime boundaries before joining.
Merz avoided naming SAFE but emphasized joint efforts.
He urged both nations to maximize their relationship’s potential, calling the current era one of intensified great-power politics.
He stated that Germany and Europe must deepen strategic partnerships, especially with Turkey.
Human Rights and Gaza Spark Tensions
Human Rights Watch pressed Merz to challenge Ankara over democratic shortcomings and İmamoğlu’s arrest.
İmamoğlu, seen as Erdoğan’s main rival, has remained in pretrial detention since March on corruption charges he denies.
Authorities filed new espionage charges this week.
Merz avoided direct reference to him but said Turkey’s recent decisions fail to meet European standards for democracy and the rule of law.
Erdoğan defended Turkey’s judiciary, saying that courts act whenever anyone violates the law, regardless of position.
On Gaza, Merz reaffirmed Germany’s enduring support for Israel while criticizing some Israeli actions.
He argued that Hamas could have ended the war by freeing hostages and surrendering its weapons.
Erdoğan countered, accusing Israel of committing “genocide” and “starvation tactics” and condemned Germany for ignoring the military imbalance.
He asked, “As Germany, can’t you see this?”
