Plenary speech in the debate on the case of Osman Kavala in Turkey
Mr Erdogan thinks he is strong. He thinks he is safe from our criticism, protests and pressure because he believes that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has made his country an ally that neither the European Union nor the United States could or should do without.
He is not wrong, but what he does not see is that we are not unaware of any his domestic difficulties.
The situation of the Turkish economy is so bad and next year’s elections look so difficult for Mr Erdogan that he needs us much more than we need him.
This president cannot lock himself into a tête-à-tête with Russia, let alone break with the Atlantic Alliance.
So let us not fear anything from him and let us make it clear that he will have to pay a high price for this life sentence on an innocent man whom our Parliament welcomes, applauds and will defend.
