If Germany Loses, the World Loses
German citizens of Turkish origin living in Germany who have earned the right to vote have a very important role to play in the critical election process that will shape Germany's future. The upcoming February 2025 elections carry an importance that will determine the direction not only of Germany, but of Europe and even world politics. In these elections, the active participation of voters of Turkish origin is of vital importance in standing against the rise of the far right and defending democratic values.
GERMANY AND CITIZENS OF TURKISH ORIGIN: A SHARED FUTURE
Germany has become a second homeland for immigrants of Turkish origin. Today, millions of citizens of Turkish origin are an inseparable part of German society. This community contributes to Germany in many fields, from education to the economy, and from the arts to politics. At the same time, these achievements — which represent Germany's diversity and richness — are under threat from the rise of the far right.
Far-right parties, with their anti-immigrant policies, are targeting immigrant communities that include citizens of Turkish origin as well. Racist rhetoric, discrimination and exclusionary policies endanger not only the rights of immigrants but also Germany's democratic values. For this reason, the participation of voters of Turkish origin in elections means not only defending their own rights, but also protecting Germany's democratic future.
PARTICIPATION INSTEAD OF SILENCE
The turnout rate of voters of Turkish origin in election processes generally remains below the overall average. This situation can weaken efforts to build a democratic bloc against the rise of the far right. It is well known that in past elections, voters of Turkish origin have not been sufficiently active. However, it must not be forgotten that Germany's future is the responsibility not only of ethnic German voters, but of citizens of Turkish origin as well. Silence can pave the way for the far right to grow stronger.
For this reason:
VOTING IS A CIVIC DUTY
Everyone living in Germany who has the right to vote bears the responsibility of participating in democratic processes. Voting is the most effective way to defend both our own rights and Germany's democratic future.
THE FIGHT AGAINST THE FAR RIGHT
Voters of Turkish origin should be actively involved in platforms that oppose the far right. Supporting parties that defend democratic values means taking a clear stand against discrimination and racism.
Encouraging Youth Participation: Young voters of Turkish origin are one of the most important parts of this process. The participation of young people in elections plays a critical role in building a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
The anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric closed off to progress espoused by far-right parties seriously threaten Germany's democratic future. If citizens of Turkish origin remain indifferent to this process, it could bring not only the risk of losing their rights, but also a deterioration in living conditions in Germany.
The far right's re-migration projects, built around the fantasy of "a Germany that doesn't belong to immigrants," could affect not only the Turkish-origin community but all democratic communities. In addition, the far right's rhetoric of things like "returning to nuclear energy" and "shutting down wind power" runs counter to Germany's progressive and environmentally conscious policies and puts the future at risk. For this reason, the importance of unity and solidarity for democracy has grown even greater.
IF GERMANY LOSES, THE WORLD LOSES
As Europe's economic and political leader, Germany holds a decisive position in the world order. Germany drifting away from democratic values negatively affects not only Europe but democratic movements around the world. Voters of Turkish origin should act with awareness of this responsibility. Every step taken in Germany creates a ripple that affects the entire world. For this reason, voting and being active in this process is not only a right, but also a responsibility.
UNITY AND SOLIDARITY FOR DEMOCRACY
The role of voters of Turkish origin in shaping Germany's democratic future can be further strengthened through unity and solidarity. What needs to be done at this point:
Raising Social Awareness: Awareness of the importance of elections should be raised among voters of Turkish origin. Local associations, civil society organizations and the media can play an active role in this process.
Inclusive Platforms: It is important for voters of Turkish origin to act together with other immigrant communities in Germany to build a broader network of democratic solidarity.
Encouraging Political Participation: Not only voting, but also taking an active role in local and national politics allows voters of Turkish origin to make their rights and voices heard more strongly.
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF VOTERS OF TURKISH ORIGIN
Germany's future will be shaped by the joint effort of all its citizens. Rather than remaining silent in this process, voters of Turkish origin should take a clear stand against the far right and support parties that champion democratic values. Acting with this awareness — voting and being active in the electoral process — is not only a civic duty, but also a historic responsibility.
Let us not forget that a loss for Germany means a loss that affects not only Europe, but the entire world. Democracy is only strengthened by the individuals who defend it and take part in it. Citizens of Turkish origin should make an effort during this critical period for Germany's future.