Though Recep Tayipp Erdogan has only served a few months of his new term as Turkey’s president thus far, he has managed to cause a great deal of controversy.
Erdogan recently used very harsh rhetoric to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling Israel the most “fascist” nation in the world. He also stated that Israel’s recent decision to install a “nation-state” law is almost Hitlerian.
Israel’s new legislation will allow only the country’s Jewish residents to have the right of self-determination. Erdogan sees the “nation-state” law as a way in which Israel can further oppress Palestinians. During a meeting with his party, the Turkish leader stated:
This regulation is evidence that, without doubt, Israel is the most Zionist, fascist and racist state in the world, I call on the Islamic world, Christian world, all democratic and liberal states, non-governmental organizations, media members to move against Israel.”
Erdogan then went on to compare Israel’s measures with Adolf Hitler’s “obsession with the Aryan race,” stating that “Hitler’s spirit has re-emerged in some Israeli leaders.”
Erdogan’s comments came as a surprise, as Turkey and Israel were allies in the past.
Israel’s Prime Minister was quick to respond to Erdogan’s accusations. He echoed the global fear that Turkey may be becoming a dictatorship. He stated:
Erdoğan is slaughtering Syrians and Kurds and imprisoning tens of thousands of his fellow citizens, and the fact that the ‘great democrat’ Erdoğan attacks [our] law is the greatest compliment.”
Criticism of Erdogan’s administration has only grown over the years, as he has repeatedly attempted to gain more power and control over his country. Erdogan has stated that if he were given more administrative powers, only Erdogan himself would be held accountable for the nation’s failures.
From now on, Erdogan will have complete executive powers, will eliminate the position of prime minister, and will have even more control over the country’s Central Bank.
Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons.
