Human Rights Watch urged Merz to condemn Turkey’s suppression of opposition voices and the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Europe to build a stronger strategic alliance with Turkey during his first official visit to Ankara. He said both sides must unite to confront global challenges. Turkey has acted as a key mediator in the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Standing beside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Merz spoke days after Turkey and the United Kingdom signed a multi-billion-euro deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Germany, part of the production consortium, recently lifted its long-standing veto on exporting the aircraft to Turkey.
Expanding Defence Cooperation
Merz’s visit followed reports that Germany supports Turkey’s participation in the European defence project known as Security Action for Europe (SAFE). The €150 billion programme aims to strengthen Europe’s military strength. It allows non-EU members, including Turkey, to join defence projects.
Greece objected to Turkey’s inclusion, insisting Ankara first withdraw its threat of war over maritime disputes. Merz did not directly mention SAFE but emphasised the value of deeper cooperation. He said Germany and Turkey must use their partnership’s full potential in the coming years.
He highlighted the new global power dynamics and argued that Germany and Europe must broaden strategic alliances. “A stronger partnership with Turkey is essential,” Merz said.
Tensions Over Rights and Gaza
Disagreements emerged during the joint press conference over human rights and Gaza. Human Rights Watch pressed Merz to denounce Turkey’s actions against political opponents, including İmamoğlu’s arrest. The opposition leader, seen as Erdoğan’s main rival, faces corruption and new espionage charges, which he rejects.
Merz avoided naming İmamoğlu but noted that some Turkish decisions fail to meet European democratic standards. Erdoğan defended his country’s judiciary, insisting it acts when laws are violated, regardless of a person’s status.
Addressing Gaza, Merz reaffirmed Germany’s enduring support for Israel while rejecting unconditional acceptance of all Israeli policies. He criticised Hamas for not releasing hostages and continuing violence, saying the war could have ended immediately had they done so.
Erdoğan countered by accusing Israel of using “starvation and genocide” as weapons. He claimed Israel holds nuclear arms while Hamas does not and questioned Germany’s stance on the imbalance, asking, “As Germany, can’t you see this?”
