Mon 26 October 2020:
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Monday for Turks never to buy French goods, as he continued his sharp criticism of French leader Emmanuel Macron over his attitude towards Muslims.
“Just like they say ‘Don’t buy good with Turkish brands’ in France, I am calling to all my citizens from here to never help French brands or buy them,” Erdogan said.
France is the 10th biggest source of imports into Turkey and the seventh biggest market for Turkey’s exports, according to Turkey’s statistical institute. Among major French imports, French autos are among the highest selling cars in Turkey.
Decrying rising Islamophobia in Europe, he said hostility to Islam and Muslims has become state policy in some European countries, a policy which enjoys support at high levels.
Addressing his fellow world leaders, he urged: “If there is persecution in France, let’s protect Muslims together.”
He went on to say that as the European Parliament speaks up on every issue related to Turkey, it would be wrong for it to stay silent in the face of rampant Islamophobia.
Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron described Islam as a religion “in crisis” and announced plans for tougher laws to tackle what he called “Islamist separatism” in France.
He condemned the murder of a French teacher who showed cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in class, but said France would “not give up our cartoons.”
Several Arab countries, as well as Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, have condemned Macron’s attitude toward Muslims and Islam, with Erdogan saying on Sunday that the French leader needs “mental treatment.”
After Erdogan’s remarks, France recalled its ambassador to Turkey.
