Turkish election

Commenting on the outcome of the election in Turkey, Greens/EFA co-presidents Rebecca Harms and Philippe Lamberts said:

"Fundamental principles of democratic elections have been undermined in this election. While Erdogan has succeeded in his strategy, the AKP victory was not achieved via a fair and democratic election campaign. Erdogan's repression of the media and stoking of the conflict with the PKK clearly played a role in the victory. The end of the peace process, declared by Erdogan, led to a horrendous escalation in violence, with politicians from the Kurdish opposition party HDP faced with attacks. Following the terrorist attack, a fair campaign became impossible.

"It is remarkable and a positive development for Turkey that, in spite of this, the HDP was again returned to parliament. The dispute about rights for the Kurdish community in Turkey can only be achieved through political means.
"The reports of national and international electoral observation missions about the disturbances on election day and throughout the campaign must be thoroughly analysed before a conclusive judgement about this election can be reached.

"The EU, which has tried to forge a closer relationship with Turkey in the context of the refugee crisis, cannot simply turn a blind eye and accept the undemocratic nature of the AKP government. There will be no secure and stable situation in Turkey as long as President Erdogan is allowed to persist with his undemocratic and authoritarian rule."