As the NATO summit begins in Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is demanding a clear position from Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) regarding ongoing human rights violations within Turkey.
Sietmje Möller, the SPD’s Deputy Party Group Leader, told media outlets that the OSCE summit is particularly critical given the internal political situation in Turkey. She stressed that the continuous attacks by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against opposition parties and the rule of law must be explicitly addressed. Möller expects Chancellor Merz to make a clear statement on this matter toward the Turkish side.
In the run-up to the summit, widespread arrests were reported from throughout Turkey. A total of 225 people have been detained, with 178 currently held under investigation. Those affected include human rights defenders, environmental activists, and journalists. Furthermore, a strict two-week ban on assemblies has been imposed specifically in Ankara. Simultaneously, the Turkish judiciary is taking harsh steps against the largest opposition party, the CHP.
Regarding the summit’s broader agenda, Möller noted that NATO is now in the implementation phase following last year’s decisions to increase defense spending. It is crucial for European NATO states to honor their pledges and continue strengthening the European pillar within the alliance. She acknowledged that Germany is well-positioned in this regard, and she expects Chancellor Merz to clearly advocate these points to his international partners as well.
