Human Rights Watch urged Friedrich Merz to denounce Turkey’s crackdown on opposition figures, including Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a stronger strategic alliance with Turkey to confront global challenges.
He made the statement during his first official visit to Ankara, acknowledging Turkey’s mediation in the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts.
Merz spoke beside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, only days after Turkey and the UK completed a multi-billion-euro deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
Germany, a key member of the jet-producing consortium, recently ended its long-standing resistance to exporting them to Turkey.
Expanding Defence Cooperation Amid Tensions
Merz’s visit coincided with reports that Germany supports Turkey’s involvement in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE).
The €150-billion programme aims to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities and includes non-EU countries such as Turkey.
Greece objected to Turkey’s inclusion, insisting that Ankara first withdraw its threat of war tied to sea border disputes.
Merz did not directly reference SAFE but emphasised the need for collaboration.
He said Germany and Turkey must better use their shared potential in the coming years.
He stressed that shifting global power dynamics demand expanded strategic partnerships, especially between Europe and Turkey.
Disagreements Over Rights and Regional Conflicts
Human Rights Watch repeated its call for Merz to address Turkey’s repression of political opponents and İmamoğlu’s arrest.
Authorities have held the opposition mayor since March on corruption charges he rejects, and prosecutors recently accused him of espionage.
Merz avoided naming İmamoğlu but said Turkey’s recent decisions fail to meet European standards for rule of law and democracy.
Erdoğan defended Turkey’s courts, asserting that anyone who breaks the law must face consequences.
On Gaza, Merz reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering support for Israel since its founding but allowed space for criticism of Israeli policy.
He argued that Hamas could have ended the war by freeing hostages and surrendering.
Erdoğan condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of using starvation and genocide as weapons.
He claimed Israel holds nuclear power while Hamas lacks such arms and questioned Germany’s silence about this imbalance.
