President Erdogan’s Visit to Germany: The Impact and Caution

The state visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Germany has generated little buzz, with limited public appearances and closed-door meetings. This visit comes at a challenging time for Germany, as relations between Erdogan and German governments have been strained for years. However, their differences over the recent Hamas-Israel conflict have further escalated tensions. Erdogan’s vocal criticism of Israel’s actions and refusal to condemn Hamas have fueled accusations of antisemitism and sparked calls to cancel his visit. Germany, due to historical Nazi guilt, staunchly supports Israel, considering it a non-negotiable cornerstone of its foreign policy. Yet, as Israeli attacks on Gaza intensify, German media is increasingly highlighting the humanitarian suffering, leading to public outrage and pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The fear is that any comments by Erdogan during his visit could exacerbate tensions. Nonetheless, Germany and Turkey are interdependent – Germany is a crucial trade partner for Turkey, home to a vast Turkish diaspora, and an electoral battleground for Erdogan. Conversely, Turkey’s help is needed to manage Middle Eastern migration and seek Turkish support in Russia’s war in Ukraine. Consequently, while discussions behind closed doors will focus on these vital issues, the German government remains anxious about Erdogan’s potential public statements. Chancellor Scholz issued the invitation in May after Erdogan’s re-election, but given the current circumstances, he may now regret it.