By Janet Ekstract, ISTANBUL – Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Freidrich Merz who spoke to Turkish-language channel Metropol FM said, “Turkiye is an important partner for Germany both economically and politically. As a NATO member, Turkiye plays a significant role in regional security.” Even though Merz acknowledged that EU membership for Turkiye isn’t active at the moment, he reiterated that the EU and Turkiye should have closer cooperation. As Merz explained, “This does not mean that Europe and Turkiye cannot engage in closer cooperation. On the contrary, we must work on further strengthening political and economic ties between Germany and Turkiye.” Merz, who is the CDU/CSU candidate for chancellor, also reemphasized Germany’s commitment to a diverse society and explained how crucial Turks are to German society. Merz commented: “I come from North Rhine-Westphalia, where I interact daily with people of migrant backgrounds. Turkish families have been living in Germany for three or four generations. People like my Bundestag colleague Serap Guler are an essential part of our society.” Merz added, “Germany is their home and we must ensure that they feel welcome and secure here.”
As a testament to just how important Turks are in German society, 19 politicians of Turkish origin were elected to Germany’s Bundestag for the 21st legislative term. From the elected MPs, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) secured seven lawmakers of Turkish descent with The Left Party (Die Linke) also winning seven. The CDU and the Greens (Grune) each elected two, while the Christian Social Union (CSU) secured one MP of Turkish descent. Elected members include: SPD: Hakan Demir, Metin Hakverdi, Macit Karaahmetoglu, Mahmut Ozdemir, Aydan Ozoguz, Derya Turk Nachbaur, Serdar Yuksel. The Left Party (Die Linke): Gokay Akbulut, Ates Gurpinar, Ferat Kocak, Cansin Kokturk, Cansu Ozdemir, Cem Hamit Ince, Mirze Edis. CDU: Serap Guler, Tijen Ataoglu. Greens (Grune): Ayse Asar, Filiz Polat. CSU: Hulya Duber became the party’s first Turkish-origin MP. The previous Bundestag term saw 18 MPs of Turkish descent, elected. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) that came in second this election period, includes two candidates of Turkish origin: Bilge Leyla and Kerim Denis Erdem.
