Allianz Deutscher Demokraten (ADD), a political party founded by people of Turkish origin in Germany, is playing “Dombra,” the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) election campaign song, on campaign vehicles and is using Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan’s picture on their campaign posters.
Following Erdoğan’s call on Turks living in Germany not to vote for parties treating Turkey as an enemy, the ADD is campaigning with the slogan “Stand together with Turkey’s friends, vote for them, help them increase their power.”
“Never vote for parties that are the enemy of Turkey. Go with Turkey-friendly parties. Don’t worry if the parties are small. Let’s make them bigger,” Erdoğan had said.
Erdoğan recently endorsed the ADD, expressing hope that the party would participate in elections all over Germany.
“A party was founded with the name ‘ADD.’ I think the majority of people who established the party are our kin. They might have used my name thinking it was a unifying factor among Turks there. If my picture can contribute to their strength, I will be happy. I hope they participate in elections all over Germany,” said Erdoğan, referring to the new party’s use of his picture and name on their campaign posters.
Underlining that the participation of the ADD in elections is an important step on the way to European Parliament elections, Erdoğan said: “I believe this is a good step. They won’t be afraid. They will present themselves well. They will participate in the elections. It will be good to see the strength of our kin there.”