Political leaders from various camps in Germany express their concerns about the establishment of an offshoot of the Turkish ruling party AKP, named the Democratic Alliance for Diversity and Advancement (DAVA), warning of its potential consequences for societal unity.
Amid growing tensions over the political direction in Europe, Germany faces a new challenge: the possible establishment of a German offshoot of the AKP, the party of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is causing cross-party unrest. This offshoot, known as the Democratic Alliance for Diversity and Advancement (DAVA), aims to run in the upcoming European election, which critics interpret as Erdoğan’s attempt to strengthen his influence among Turks living in Germany and to promote a parallel society.
Volker Beck, President of the German-Israeli Society, sharply criticizes this development and accuses Erdoğan of undermining the integration of people of Turkish descent in Germany. Similarly, leading politicians from various parties have voiced their concerns. SPD Chairwoman Saskia Esken emphasizes the importance of societal unity and rejects any form of division, while Cem Özdemir of the Greens describes the participation of an Erdoğan offshoot in elections as „the last thing we need.“ Omid Nouripour, also from the Greens, demands that newly founded parties must commit to the liberal-democratic order.
The establishment of DAVA is also critically viewed by the Union, which uses this as an opportunity to renew its criticism of the planned reform of citizenship law, warning of the dangers of making dual citizenship easier, which in turn leads to tensions within the political discourse on migration and integration.
Overall, the discussion about DAVA reflects deeper concerns about the influence of external political forces on German society. Politicians urge vigilance and a joint effort to preserve democratic values and societal cohesion.
mfh/dpa/AFP