Subject: The future of Germany... A call to a million and a half Turks
The rise of the far right across Europe and the world has become not merely a political trend, but a serious crisis threatening social peace. Germany's upcoming elections will be one of the places where this crisis is most clearly felt. For Germany to preserve the democratic, multicultural, and humane values it has historically earned, it is vitally important for immigrants to go to the polls. The AfD and similar far-right parties threaten not only immigrants but also Germany's democratic structure and its leading role in Europe. For this reason, all immigrants — and particularly the 1.7 million voters of Turkish origin — must take an active role in these elections to block the advance of the far right.
Throughout history, Germany has been a country where different identities have lived side by side, standing out for its diversity and diplomatic strength. The vision of integration with Europe and the world, which began with Willy Brandt's "Ostpolitik" and continued with leaders such as Helmut Schmidt, Helmut Kohl, and Gerhard Schröder, reached its peak during the Angela Merkel era. Thanks to its multicultural structure, Germany grew stronger economically and diplomatically, becoming a source of trust on the world stage. However, in recent years, this balance has been shaken, and with the rise of the far right, Germany is drifting away from its factory settings. This election is an opportunity for Germany to return to the democratic values it earned in the past, and this can only be achieved through immigrants going to the polls in a determined manner.
At this point, voters of Turkish origin need to recognize that they hold decisive power. If the far right grows stronger, immigrants will be the ones who suffer the greatest harm. The AfD and similar parties are fueling discrimination not only politically but also at the societal level, targeting immigrants and aiming to restrict their social rights. Immigrants living in Germany today are not merely guests in this country — they are among the fundamental elements that make up Germany's economy, education system, and social structure. For this reason, voters of Turkish origin need to go to the polls and vote, in particular, for parties that support multicultural life.
GERMAN ELECTIONS: A COUNTERBALANCE AGAINST THE GLOBAL RISE OF THE FAR RIGHT
Donald Trump's re-election and return to office in the US points to a period that could lead to the far right growing even stronger in global politics. Trump and figures in his team, with the support of powerful capital holders like Elon Musk, are displaying an approach that disregards every kind of political and economic rule, even at the cost of weakening democratic values. While this order weakens diplomacy and fuels polarization instead of international cooperation, it also threatens the sustainability of the global order. For this reason, the elections in Germany could be a gain not just for Germany, but for the entire world. Germany should not be a country that unconditionally follows the US, but rather an actor that protects Europe's democratic values and defends a world order based on international law.
Under Angela Merkel's leadership, Germany pursued an independent and balanced foreign policy against the US's overly interventionist policies, pioneering a stance in which Europe pursued its own interests. Today, however, it appears that this balanced stance of Germany's is under threat.
Germany needs a roadmap that once again places diplomacy at its center, recognizes the importance of the European Union, and takes on responsibility for global peace. Stopping the rise of the far right in this election will be a critical turning point for Germany to preserve its independent stance on the international stage and for Europe to safeguard its democratic values.
In this context, one of the most effective ways to say "stop" to the US's reckless policies is to vote consciously in Germany's elections. For Germany to become a country under the influence of the far right, governed by populist rhetoric, would be a great loss not only for Germany, but for the future of Europe and the world. For this reason, all voters — and immigrants in particular — should go to the polls aware of the responsibility their vote carries, and contribute to the formation of a government that protects democratic values. This election is a historic opportunity for Germany to preserve its independent stance and continue to serve as a counterbalance in global politics.
THE CDU'S SHIFT TO THE RIGHT AND ITS RAPPROCHEMENT WITH THE AFD: A THREAT
Friedrich Merz, chairman of the CDU and its chancellor candidate, stated clearly in a statement last September that they would have no contact whatsoever with far-right parties like the AfD. However, reports have surfaced in the press over the past two weeks indicating that the party has been in contact with these parties. This poses a great danger, given that a centrist party like the CDU is drifting toward the far right for the sake of just a few votes. The CDU, which stood out during the Merkel era as a trustworthy party committed to democratic values and sensitive to a multicultural society, needs to preserve this legacy. But it should not be forgotten that a CDU drifting toward far-right lines on immigration policy is no longer a reliable option for Turkish and other immigrant-origin voters.
Staying away from parties opposed to immigration policies is important for protecting social rights, economic opportunities, and social peace in the future. While the CDU's shift to the right is an unforgivable mistake, the Green Party has also caused great losses for both Germany and Europe, particularly because of the harsh foreign policy pursued by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The Greens were once seen as a promising party, particularly for refugees and immigrants. However, since coming to power, they have been criticized for their rigid and inflexible policies. For this reason, it will be critical for the Greens to return to a flexible and conciliatory line in order for Germany to regain its international standing.
THE SPD AND A MULTICULTURAL GERMANY: A SAFE FUTURE FOR IMMIGRANTS
Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) has for many years been a party that supports a multicultural structure and strengthens the integration of immigrants into society. In this election as well, the SPD's platform stands out with policies aimed at securing the rights of immigrants, ensuring social cohesion, and preventing discrimination. In particular, issues such as equal opportunity in education, combating discrimination in working life, and easing citizenship procedures are at the center of the SPD's immigrant-friendly policies. The SPD aims to increase the social, economic, and political participation of immigrants in order to make Germany a stronger country through its diversity.
In this election process, as one of the parties building the strongest wall against the rise of the far right, the SPD clearly opposes the anti-immigrant policies of far-right movements like the AfD. The SPD's leaders clearly emphasize that Germany can sustain economic growth while preserving social peace between immigrants and native residents. The party commits to taking concrete steps to ease the process of obtaining citizenship, expand the right to dual citizenship, and ensure the full integration of individuals of foreign origin into German society. These policies represent a great assurance for the Turkish-origin and other immigrant communities living in Germany.
The SPD's economic policies also offer a perspective aimed at strengthening the integration of immigrants. The party is developing comprehensive projects to ensure that immigrants have equal opportunities in employment, to prevent discrimination in the labor market, and to increase vocational training opportunities. In addition, the SPD's policies encouraging greater representation of immigrants in local government are of great importance for preserving the multicultural structure. For this reason, for immigrants living in Germany, the SPD stands out as a reliable political option committed to democratic values and social peace.
A CALL TO IMMIGRANTS AND TURKISH VOTERS: GOING TO THE POLLS IS VITALLY IMPORTANT
In conclusion, it is a great necessity for all immigrants in Germany — and particularly the 1.7 million voters of Turkish origin — to go to the polls in the upcoming elections. The greatest force capable of saying "stop" to the rise of the far right is immigrant voters who go to the ballot box and exercise their democratic rights. We can tear down these walls of fear and preserve Germany's multicultural structure, its sense of social justice, and its leading role in Europe.
The most correct strategy will be to unite around parties — the SPD foremost among them — that support a multicultural societal structure and adopt policies that will help immigrants gain a stronger place in Germany. Voting is not merely a choice — it is a necessity for stopping the rise of the far right. All voters need not only to cast their own votes but also to encourage the people around them to go to the polls. Only in this way can we protect a multicultural Germany and Europe's democratic values.