Turkish-Dutch row deepens over ‘campaign’

A week ago, Germany stopped campaign events by Turkish ministers who wanted to address more than 1.4 million voters living in the country. Now, the Netherlands blocked Turkish Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya from attending a political rally. Sayan Kaya had arrived in the Netherlands from Germany but was prevented from entering Turkey’s diplomatic compound in Rotterdam, setting up a standoff with armed police. She was later sent under escort back to Germany. Both Germany and the Netherlands have cited public disorder as a reason behind their decisions.
The development came a day after Dutch government withdrew the landing rights for the flight of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The Dutch Foreign Ministry said the government took the measures learning that public meeting with Cavusoglu in Rotterdam will jeopardise the safety and security.
Hundreds of pro-Turkey protesters scuffled with police as authorities tried to end a demonstration at the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam. Protesters were throwing bottles and mobbing police vehicles as they moved away from the consulate in central Rotterdam.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Germany of Nazi-style practices after the country halted campaign events. Now, Erdogan castigated Dutch as cowards and fascists and “Nazi remnants.”
Turkey has asked the Dutch ambassador to Ankara not to return to Turkey at the moment. Ankara has also warned Dutch government that the grave decision taken against the Turkish communities in Turkey and the Netherlands will have serious consequences in relations in terms of diplomatic, political, economic and other aspects with the Netherlands. Buildings of the Dutch embassy in Ankara and consulate in Istanbul, as well as diplomatic residences in the two cities, have been closed to any entrances and departures for security reasons.
The Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte called Erdogan’s Nazi comments ‘way out of line,’ crazy and unacceptable. Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders branded Erdogan a ‘dictator’ and told Turkish officials to stay away. Wilders waded into the controversy as he wants to exploit the situation for political gain. The crisis is something what people like Wilders actually wants.
The escalating war of words with EU member countries comes as Erdogan seeks backing for a referendum in April that would give greater powers to his currently ceremonial presidency. EU leaders have accused him of concentrating power as his government cracks down on dissent.
Turkey criticized Netherlands’ decision, calling on Europe to cease meddling in Turkey’s affairs. Ankara sees this trend as a way to interfere in Turkey’s internal affairs and politics. The Turkish government accuses Germany and Netherlands of preventing campaigns in order to influence a ‘no’ vote in the referendum.
Undoubtedly, it is the prerogative of a country to decide on its policies, but the way Dutch government treated Turkish ministers speaks poorly about the country. Dutch government’s decisions hurt the Turkish nation. The Netherlands’ measures undermine Turkish ministers’ democratic rights and freedoms. The decision is undemocratic and counter to the freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.