Germany is now pushing the EU towards a much more tougher policy in its relations with Turkey as Erdogan moves the country even closer to a full-blown dictatorship. Erdogan has rejected democracy and the rule of law and since the strike of the Putsch, which is characterized by the dismissal of thousands of government officials, mass arrests without legal procedures, and the prosecution of independent media and critics, it is clear that he is not tolerating opposition. This implies a departure from the European model of democratic values and principles of the rule of law and the actions of Turkey are at odds with the fundamental principles of membership in the EU and NATO.
