Turkish citizens living in Germany on Monday started to cast their ballots in Turkish missions across the country for a referendum on a constitutional package that will increase President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s powers and change Turkey’s system of governance into an executive presidency.
Europe is home to an estimated 2.5 million Turkish citizens eligible to vote. Over 3 million Turks, of whom 1.4 million can vote, live in Germany.
Turkey’s relations with various European countries have recently become strained due to the cancellation of rallies planned to be held by Turkish ministers in order to seek the support of Turkish expatriates for a referendum in Turkey on April 16.


Turkish expatriates in Germany and five other European countries started casting their ballots Monday in a controversial referendum that could vastly boost President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s powers. / AFP PHOTO / Christof STACHE

The 1,4 million Turkish voters living in Germany can participate in a pro Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan referendum scheduled for 16 April. / AFP PHOTO / Odd ANDERSEN

The 1,4 million Turkish voters living in Germany can participate in a pro Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan referendum scheduled for 16 April. / AFP PHOTO / Odd ANDERSEN