Turkish Community in Germany Criticizes New Coalition Agreement Over Sidelining Muslim Issues

The Turkish community in Germany has expressed strong criticism of the coalition agreement between the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD), arguing it neglects issues pertinent to the Muslim population, Daily Sabah reported. Following 45 days of negotiations after early elections, the coalition aims to strengthen domestic policies, including increased police powers and stricter immigration controls.

Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz announced measures such as border controls, intensified deportations, and the suspension of family reunification. Gökay Sofuoğlu, co-chair of the Turkish Community in Germany (TGD), highlighted the absence of immigrant representation in the negotiation team and stated that the agreement fails to ensure the safety of Muslims and other minority groups.

Sofuoğlu warned that the coalition reflects the influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained traction in recent polls. He expressed concern that the growing acceptance of AfD ideologies poses a threat to social cohesion and democracy in Germany. He criticized the framing of immigration discussions, suggesting it perpetuates the perception of Muslim immigrants as potential criminals.

Sofuoğlu concluded that the coalition’s approach could undermine the integration and security of immigrants, calling for a more inclusive policy framework that acknowledges the diverse needs of all communities in Germany.