Voting begins in Germany on Turkey's controversial referendum

  27 March 2017    Read: 1274
Voting begins in Germany on Turkey's controversial referendum
Turkish citizens may cast their ballot in a referendum on transitioning the country into an executive-style presidential system. Human rights groups have warned of the fallout if the constitutional amendments succeed.
Voting in Turkey's referendum to consolidate power in the presidency began in Germany on Monday, allowing roughly half of the 3 million residents to cast their ballots until April 9.

Turkish citizens residing in Germany are able to cast their votes in several cities across the country, including Berlin, Munich and Cologne. In Turkey, eligible voters will be able to cast their ballots on April 16.

The referendum has soured relations between Berlin and Ankara after authorities canceled several rallies where Turkish officials were expected to speak in favor of the constitutional amendments.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded by accusing the German government as well as Chancellor Angela Merkel of engaging in "Nazi practices."

He has accused European authorities of launching a "crusade" against Islam and said the continent was hosting the "spirit of fascism."

"Europe is swiftly rolling back to the days before World War II," he said in a speech aimed at rallying support for the proposed constitutional amendments.

/DW/

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