Following the new Erdoğan rally crisis with the AKP regime, the Federal Government of Germany passed a law yesterday restricting foreign politicians’ ability to run election campaigns in the country. The law is dubbed the “Erdoğan Act” in the public, while notices have been sent to foreign representation offices in Germany.

The law concerns countries outside of the European Union. Foreign state representatives and politicians won’t be allowed to run election campaigns in the country anymore. The law issues a blanket ban to all election activity.

Furthermore, all activities planned by foreign politicians will be subject to approval by the Federal Government from now on. To hold any activity, a 10 day appeal process for permits will be mandatory.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Martin Schäfer stated that whether such permits will be granted or not will be in line with diplomatic relations. This way, Germany will both avoid tensions with Erdoğan and break the influence of the AKP regime in their country.

HOW WAS THE 'ERDOĞAN ACT' PASSED?

Turkish President Erdoğan had submitted an official request to hold a rally with his supporters during his visit in Hamburg for the G-20 Summit to be held on July 7-8. The German Foreign Ministry’s statement on Erdoğan rallies led to another crisis between Ankara and Germany.

Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel spoke during a visit to Russia and announced that Erdoğan had filed an official request to hold an activity in Germany. “There is no need for such a rally or an activity right now,” said Gabriel and objected to Erdoğan coming together with his supporters. The strongest candidate running against current Chancellor Christian Democrat Angela Merkel in the Federal Parliamentary elections this September, SPD’s Martin Schulz also demanded that Erdoğan’s rallies be officially banned.