The two sides have clashed of late over the fate of negotiations for Turkey to enter the European Union. In the months since a coup attempt in July failed to topple Erdogan, the conservative Muslim leader has moved to crack down on perceived military and civilian government workers loyal to the coup's alleged leader Fetullah Gulen.
After arresting thousands of alleged conspirators in the military and the government in the coup's aftermath, European leaders warned the authoritarian tactics could cost Turkey its bid for EU membership, a potential major economic windfall. On Thursday, the EU Parliament voted to freeze accession talks, though the vote was mostly symbolic and major EU nations such as Germany and France favor continuing the process.
On Friday, Erdogan threatened to throw open the Turkish border with Bulgaria -- and thus the rest of Europe -- to the 3 million-plus Syrian refugees being housed in camps in Turkey if the EU halted the accession process. On Saturday, Erdogan unleashed another angry tirade on television, suggesting his government could extend a state of emergency that has been in place since the coup failed.
"Maybe the state of emergency will be extended by three months and then maybe another three months," he said, according to Al Jazeera. "This is a decision for the government and the [Turkish] parliament."
"What's it to you?" he said, addressing the European Parliament. "Know your place."
[upi.com]
26/11/16
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