Turkish Protests in Europe

[Horus]

So the upcoming Turkish elections are causing lots of problems in Europe. Their President Tayyip Erdoğan is getting very vocal and calling the likes of Germany and Holland Nazi’s because they would not allow Turkish citizens in those countries to hold rallies in his support. Erdoğan is well known for the way he is taking Turkey towards being a none secular state and is seeking further support and that includes the large groups of Turks living in Europe, maybe over 1 million in Germany and half as many in the Netherlands, other EU countries also have large Turkish immigrant groups. Bad timing on his part as there are also elections in some of those countries and far right groups would (and probably will) make big gains if these demonstrations did take place as it would play into their political hands. He is in effect making the case for the right in wanting to control EU immigration as this is already starting to trigger protests in those countries and the political stakes being raised with some politicians being banned etc. The irony is that he would not allow a similar rally to take place in Turkey especially if it was to oppose him politically.

If this escalates and it looks likely, then the EU in general is likely to close ranks against his accusations and demands and put any deal between the EU and Turkey on the back burner and its involvement in NATO will also come into question. The end result could well be that Erdoğan throws a tantrum and opens up the flow of another million so called refugees to pour into Europe, intentional or not I can foresee this turning into a major coup for right wing parties with many wanting to have the same border control as the UK will shortly have especially as the UK is likely to trigger article 50 around Tuesday next week which may give them food for though in their own upcoming elections.

[Yildez]

Not an election Horus, but a referendum on April 11th (I think?). People are being asked to vote 'yes' or 'no' on whether to move to a presidential system like Russia. A 'yes' result will allow him unprecedented power in what has been a secular democracy since the rise of Ataturk. Many of my Turkish friends are cynical about the referendum, and believe he will get his own way regardless of the result. Watch this space.

[newcastle]

The EU does have control over its external borders. The problem is that the borders between Greece & Italy and the outside world are somewhat porous.

I think it's quite likely that Erdogan will renege on his deal, brokered by Germany, in which case it is going to get very messy.

Remember, no country is obliged to grant entry to non-citizens....but if they wash up on your beaches what can you do?

The problem is that, although an illegal entrant can be detained, it is not always easy to deport them.

[Horus]

Not an election Horus, but a referendum on April 11th (I think?). People are being asked to vote 'yes' or 'no' on whether to move to a presidential system like Russia. A 'yes' result will allow him unprecedented power in what has been a secular democracy since the rise of Ataturk. Many of my Turkish friends are cynical about the referendum, and believe he will get his own way regardless of the result. Watch this space.

Yes you are quite correct Yildez, thanks for pointing out the difference, I did know he was after more Presidential power, but wrongly called it an election.

[Horus]

The problem is that, although an illegal entrant can be detained, it is not always easy to deport them.

Especially when they destroy all their documents, however if we are to get a grip of this situation then something has to be done. There are for example experts who can tell just by a voice analysis as to the place that they originate from and it is often used in police investigations, a DNA profile could also be applied. You then deport them back to the place of their ethnicity and if they object you put the onus on them to prove they should be sent some place otherwise, because as you say, we are under no obligation to keep taking these people.

[Bearded Brian]

If they try to cross a boarder just shoot them - may be a bit hard on the first few that get killed but would then stop the majority trying.

[newcastle]

If they try to cross a boarder just shoot them - may be a bit hard on the first few that get killed but would then stop the majority trying.

Rather inhumane don't you think?

I suppose you'd pitchfork the kids, swimming for their lives, back into the Aegean surf

[Bearded Brian]

If they try to cross a boarder just shoot them - may be a bit hard on the first few that get killed but would then stop the majority trying.

Rather inhumane don't you think? No not in the long run

I suppose you'd pitchfork the kids, swimming for their lives, back into the Aegean surf

Yes

[newcastle]

Not an election Horus, but a referendum on April 11th (I think?). People are being asked to vote 'yes' or 'no' on whether to move to a presidential system like Russia. A 'yes' result will allow him unprecedented power in what has been a secular democracy since the rise of Ataturk. Many of my Turkish friends are cynical about the referendum, and believe he will get his own way regardless of the result. Watch this space.

Turkey & Erdogan seems horribly reminiscent of USA & Trump.....with Turkey having a more extreme division between liberals and "alt-right".

Except USA is split 50/50 whilst Erdogan seems to have a substantial majority following.

Bad times ahead.....