PodcastErdoğan calls on Turks to boycott French goods following war of words with Macron
President Erdoğan called on Oct. 26 for Turks to boycott French goods and urged the EU to stop French President Macron's "anti-Islam" agenda. "Just like they say 'Don't buy good with Turkish brands' in France, I am calling to all my citizens from here to never help French brands or buy them," Erdoğan said.
Reuters
France recalls envoy after Turkey scolds Macron over MuslimsTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on Oct. 26 for Turks never to buy French goods and urged European Union leaders to halt French leader Emmanuel Macron's "anti-Islam" agenda.
Erdoğan said on Oct. 24 Macron had a problem with Muslims and needed checks on his mental health - a rebuke that caused France to recall its ambassador from Ankara. He made similar comments the next day and again on Oct. 26.
"Just like they say 'Don't buy good with Turkish brands' in France, I am calling to all my citizens from here to never help French brands or buy them," Erdoğan said.
France is the 10th biggest source of imports into Turkey and the seventh biggest market for Turkey's exports, according to Turkey's statistical institute. Among major French imports, French autos are among the highest selling cars in Turkey.
Turkey accuses Macron of supporting hate crimes with his new plan against 'Islamist separatism'France not planning reciprocal boycott on Turkish products: Trade minister
French Trade Minister Franck Riester said on Oct. 26 France is not planning a reciprocal boycott against Turkish products and will continue talks and relations with Turkey and Erdoğan.
"There is no retaliation on the agenda," Riester told RTL radio. He nevertheless reiterated the government's condemnation of Turkish Erdoğan's comments about Macron and his treatment of Muslims in France.
Macron has pledged to fight "Islamist separatism," saying it was threatening to take over some Muslim communities in France. The country has since been shaken by the beheading of a teacher by an Islamist militant, avenging the use of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression.
European leaders must put an end to Macron's "anti-Islam" agenda, Erdoğan said in a speech at the start of a week of activities in Turkey to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad.
Turkey and France are both members of the NATO military alliance, but have been at odds over issues including Syria and Libya, maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean, and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.