What does Özdemir’s election victory imply for the Turkish-speaking group? | EUROtoday

I can keep in mind the image clearly: There was a Turkish newspaper on my father’s desk again in Duisburg. There was Özdemir with an earring on, his jacket hanging coolly over one shoulder, and there was a report about him. That was within the Nineties. He was already seen again then.

He entered the Bundestag for the primary time in 1994. Now he’s even changing into prime minister.

This is the belief of the German dream. When a toddler of oldsters from the visitor employee era turns into the daddy of the nation, it reveals that the meritocracy works and that origins don’t decide the longer term.

Is this a milestone in German historical past?

This is historic. So far we’ve solely had this on the municipal stage, similar to in Hanover, the place Belit Onay has been mayor since 2019. I see Özdemir in keeping with London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has British-Pakistani roots, and with the brand new New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was born in Uganda to Indian mother and father. Özdemir’s election victory is more likely to have a global sign impact. This strengthens Germany’s tender energy and makes it extra seen to expert staff internationally.

Do you suppose that expert staff from overseas now really feel inspired to return to Germany?

This election victory is a sign to the worldwide group that Germany has developed into a contemporary, open immigration society, and this could in fact additionally strengthen Germany’s attractiveness.

How will the election victory be perceived within the Turkish-speaking group?

We know from research that approval scores for democracy within the Turkish-speaking group are literally excessive, however comparatively fewer individuals from it are politically lively. I imagine that psychological hurdles will be damaged down by way of function fashions like Özdemir.

Does Özdemir even have critics within the Turkish-speaking group?

Naturally. What units him aside is that he has repeatedly criticized Turkey and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He did not simply make pals with it. I believe that the reactions are very contradictory. There shall be some people who find themselves completely happy. Others would have been completely happy if he hadn’t made it as a result of they see him as a polluter due to his criticism of Türkiye.

Is there a rift within the Turkish-speaking group?

Yes, there was a polarization between left and proper forces for the reason that Seventies. On the one hand, there are the religious-conservative currents, together with many Erdoğan supporters. And alternatively, there are left-wing and Kemalist actions and, for the reason that failed army coup in 2016, many exiles, primarily lecturers.