Turkish president Erdogan calls Netherlands “Nazi remnants, fascists”

The Netherlands has denied landing permission for Turkish Foreign Minister Mevut Casuvoglu’s plane, hours after he threatened sanctions should the Dutch government not allow him to attend a political rally in Rotterdam on Saturday.

But Rotterdam’s mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb announced Wednesday the gathering was cancelled after an owner said the rally’s venue was no longer available. Europe, he said, must be rid of its “boss-like attitude”. They will cast their votes at Turkish consulates in Germany between March 27 and April 9.

“If tension will increase [between the two countries] because of my visit, then let it increase”, he said.

“The Netherlands threatens that it won’t let my plane take off”.

Officials said such organizations – often funded by the Turkish government or Turkey’s ruling party – did more to strengthen “Turkish-Islamic identity” than integrate ethnic Turks in Dutch society.

He is targeting expat voters in European countries with high Turkish populations, such as the Netherlands and Germany.

It said the Turkish government “does not want to respect the rules in this matter”.

Mr Cavusoglu said if the Netherlands refused him permission to fly to Rotterdam, Turkey would respond with harsh economic and political sanctions.

“They don’t know diplomacy or politics”. “These Nazi remnants, they are fascists”.

“He can come to visit the Mauritshuis museum or see the tulips if there are any”, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told a news conference in Brussels. “I understand they’re angry, but this of course was way out of line”. Erdogan asked the Dutch authorities.

The decision was met with an explosive response by Turkey, which accused Holland of taking sides in the Turkish referendum against Mr Erdoğan.

“They do not know politics or global diplomacy”, said Erdogan and added, “these Nazi remnants, they are fascists” with the crowds booing.

Cavusoglu said Turks in Germany were under systematic pressure from police and intelligence services.

“If the Netherlands cancels my flight clearance today then we will impose huge sanctions”, he added.

Relations between Turkey and its North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies have been on edge. All, again, cause to back strong leadership.