Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, Chairman of IKV, evaluated federal elections in Germany on 24 September 2017. According to the election results, Christian Democratic Party (CDU)’s President and Prime Minister Angela Merkel was for the fourth time got elected with an important success considering the electorial history of the Federal Republic of Germany. Chairman Zeytinoğlu indicated that the results of the elections are closely related to our country and continued:

“This summer the tension between Turkey and Germany has highly escalated. However taking account of the economic, commercial, historical and cultural ties between the two countries; Germany's definitive role in the EU relations, as well as over 3 million Turkish citizens living in Germany; damages caused by the tension are clearly seen. The election results announced last night shows that a coalition government will be formed in German in the coming days. Christian Democrats led by Merkel received 33.7 percent, social democrats 20.7 percent, left party 8.5 percent, greens 8.8 percent, liberals 10.9 percent and Germany Alternative Party 12.4 percent of the total votes. The social democrats, who have suffered a serious loss of votes, will not be coalition partners this time. In this case, Merkel is expected to form a coalition with the Free Democrats and the Greens.“

Zeytinoğlu emphasized the importance of taking a more rational and constructive discourse about the new government in Germany relation in Turkey:

“AFD, known for its immense anti-immigration attitude, which is very striking in terms of the future of Germany and the EU, will be elected as a third party and represented by about 85 MPs in the German Parliament. This is a call that warns all politicians in Germany to be careful towards populist rhetoric. To this end, overcoming the current obstacles in Turkey-Germany relations with the new German Government; continuity of the current migration cooperation; enhancing the liberal trade through commencing the Customs Union modernization negotiations would be the most effective answer to the ascending populist rhetoric and the far-right discourse.“

 “We Consider a Summit that Brings President Erdoğan and Merkel Together Would Be Immensely Appropriate.’’

Following the announcements, Zeytinoğlu suggested possible steps to be taken regarding the relationship between Turkey and Germany:

 “It is very useful to organize a summit meeting to bring President Erdogan and Prime Minister Merkel together immediately after the elections in Germany. Such a Summit, which would ensure that the two sides communicate with each other at the highest level; might also form the initial step for a common roadmap. As a critical dimension of bilateral relations, enhancing and strengthening the interaction between the business world, civil society and universities will be supportive and stimulating in terms of sustainable relations between Turkey and Germany. At this point we will continue to act our supportive role as IKV. Through publications, research, seminars and meetings we will continue to reach out the EU and Member States such as Germany.’’

“Turkey Could Become a Balance Factor in the Future of the EU.”

“The position of the new government in Germany is also critical for the future scenarios of the post-Brexit EU. The consolidation of a strong French-German alliance with President Macron in France will be decisive in terms of the future of the EU, which might lose power with the Britain’s withdrawal. In this new architecture of Europe, Turkey should take its place in the EU's future plans as a balance factor. For this, we should accelerate the economic, political and social reforms and stimulate the EU process in the direction of EU values ??as soon as possible.”

 “We Should Consider Coming into Contact with Civil Society and the Business World More Closely to Improve Turkey’s Image”

‘’We understand that Turkey’s current image in German public opinion is problematic. Within such environment, it is also difficult for the German government to take positive steps towards Turkey. Therefore NGOs have an important task to improve relations between the two sides. As IKV, we plan to be carry out some activities improving Turkey’s image and Turkey’s clarity among German media and the public. To start with, we would be organizing round tables with civil society and think tanks representatives.’’