The German interim government, led by the Social Democrats and the Greens, has blocked the planned export of nearly 40 "Eurofighter" fighters (Eurofighter) for Turkey, reports “Turkey Today“ today, referring to the German newspaper “Handelsblatt“, quoted by BTA.
According to German government sources, quoted by “Handelsblatt“, the main reason for the suspension of the export license is the arrest of Turkish oppositionist and former mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges, which officials in Berlin describe as “an attack on Turkish democracy“.
The opposition in Turkey claims that the corruption charges against İmamoğlu are politically motivated.
Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained on March 19, and on March 23, a court ordered him to remain in custody on corruption charges in the Istanbul Greater Municipality. His arrest sparked mass protests in major cities in Turkey, which resulted in clashes with police and hundreds of detainees.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported the deal with Turkey during a visit to Istanbul in October 2024, but Imamoglu's arrest led to a change of heart, notes “Türkiye Today“.
The deal includes up to 40 “Eurofighter“ fighters.
Earlier this year, a source in Turkey's defense ministry said that the country was expecting a price offer for the possible purchase of “Eurofighter” fighters, which are produced by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain. At the time, it was reported that Germany had softened its position after initially opposing the deal.