Last Saturday the relationship between the Netherlands and Turkey escalated. Turkish ministers wanted to campaign in the Netherlands about the coming referendum giving Erdogan more power. Not only like many others the Dutch government believes this is a step back in democratic development, but didn’t want violent uproars like happened many times earlier with minority groups with a Turkish background at specific Turkish political gatherings. The Dutch PM kindly asked the Turks to stay away or keep it neat and on a small scale. The Turks immediately started to insult and threat and after various attempts to come to an agreement, the Dutch PM decided that “this kind of verbal aggression was not acceptable anymore” and as a consequence to withdraw the right to land an airplane with Turkish ministers. Of course more insults and threats and moreover another Turkish minister entered the Netherlands by car with several decoy convoys to mislead the Dutch police. Meanwhile the Turkish consul lied to the Dutch government about what he knew and his communication to the people. The Turkish minister was stopped 30 meters before the Turkish consulate and after hours of negotiations escorted back to Germany as persona non grata. As expected the Turkish demonstrants misbehaved and after a violent night 14 people were arrested en 7 were injured one policeman included. Not surpisinglyTurkey responded with more insults and threats.
It’ s really embarrassing how a leader and senior ministers of a big country like Turkey cross the line in their behavior and among other doubtful actions start using words like Nazi’s, fascists, banana-republic and more. They do not sound any better than violent football hooligans. Nevertheless Dutch prime minister Rutte and Rotterdam’s mayor Aboutaleb taught anyone a lesson in adult political leadership. Without any over-the-top language, they just drew a line on what they believed was in best interest of the Netherlands. The difference between people like Erdogan, Trump, Putin and Farage was immense. Where these men seem to got stuck in election rhetoric, Rutte and Aboutaleb just achieved what true leaders should be able to: get really every representative (except the Turkish of course) behind them and their decisions, de-escalate where possible but stick to Dutch principles and the law. Admitted, current political leaders in the Netherlands do not sound that “adult” during their election campaigns with just a few days left before Dutch parliament elections but at least they know where to stop and how to unite if and when necessary.
It’s quite interesting how the rest of Europe now responds. There is an agreement in Europe to keep incidents like this “local” to keep an European escalation level. That’s why NATO stays quiet too. Nevertheless EU high representative of foreign affairs Federica Mogherini has called both Dutch and Turkish secretaries of state. Additionally Sweden and Denmark seem to have found some new energy to join the Netherlands in trying to avoid Turkish political campaign activities on their grounds. France did accept a Turkish campaign speech and now calls Turkey to de-escalate. European media all point to Turkey for provoking Europe now negatiotiations around a Turkish EU-membership is under pressure.
It’s embarrassing that this all can happen initiated by a foreign government. Additionally and most surprisingly, the effect of all this is more resistance to Turks and this will definitely result in major shift 2 days before elections. On top of that, Erdogans economic sanctions will hurt Turkey itself most. Typical example of “how to shoot in you own foot”.
Update Sunday: Meanwhile it’s Sunday evening and more Turkish riots seem to be in “preparing stage” although up until now it's reasonable quiet. Small riots in Amsterdam were "sprayed away" with water canons. A few arrests. No personal damages except some wet pants.
Update Monday: Little protest demonstrations of the Turks both in Turkey and the Netherlands. The Germans by voice of Merkel "in full support and solidarity" behind the Dutch. EU officially said Turkey should use another tone in language to avoid further damage to relationships. NATO calls for respect, calm and de-escalation.
Update Tuesday: Turkey bans political communication between both countries and complains at any international organization except the International Criminal Court in The Hague (? :)). New polls show that a significant number of Dutch Turks who are usually voting left, is now willing to vote on Rutte to reward him for standing up to Erdogan. And yes, more Turkish threats and insults.
Update Wednesday: It's Dutch election day so lots of attention from international media energized after last weekend events. EU leaders Tusk and Juncker fully support Dutch PM Rutte and condemn Erdogan with his language. Turkish mayors want to break ties with their Dutch partners, however some ties do not even exist :). Erdogan keeps shouting. Turks hacked various twitter accounts to inject more insults.
Stay cool :8
(big thanks to Patrick Chappate and Mirjam Vissers for their awesome cartoons)