BY GERHARD SCHRÖDER, FORMER CHANCELLOR OF GERMANY
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has written in BILD why he believes there should be more Turkish schools in Germany.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has put forward a good proposal. We need more German-Turkish schools in our country, because they not only help with integration but make Germany a little bit more international.
Unfortunately, because of some thoughtless words from German politicians before Chancellor Angela Merkel’s trip to Turkey, the relationship between our two countries has been badly strained.
Both sides must talk realistically and above all together about the subject of EU entry, instead of about each other.
It is good that the Chancellor is now talking positively about more German-Turkish schools and obviously perceives the term ‘privileged partnership’ as unfortunate. This term should disappear from the political debate.
There are hundreds of German schools not only in Turkey but worldwide, schools with German lessons at which German life can also be experienced.
In Germany there are French, English, Greek and many other international schools. So why not more Turkish schools as well?
Besides, in the future more teachers of Turkish origin who were trained at German universities will be employed at German schools. This would also be an important contribution to integration.
We should neither hold nor stir up any fear. It is a given that our children – including those with an immigrant background – should master the German language.
If they don’t, then we must ask whether the problem lies in the German school system.
German-Turkish schools could help to overcome these problems. And it is a good thing if children can speak both German and Turkish perfectly because Turkey is politically, culturally and economically an important partner for us.
Turkey is already among the 20 biggest economies in the world; it is far stronger for instance than EU members like Sweden, Poland or Belgium. And economic growth in Turkey is rapid. We Germans must use this chance.
Therefore I am an advocate of European Union membership for Turkey. The country has gone on a brave path of reform under the leadership of Prime Minister Erdogan.
The steps which have been taken have a historical character, concerning a fundamental democratisation, Kurdish politics and the communication process with Armenia.
Germany and the EU would be well advised to support Turkey because we can see that the pro-European faction in the country faces significant opposition.
A nationalist policy in Turkey would, however, be fatal. It would isolate and set back the country. It would also endanger our security in Europe as a consequence.
Therefore it is vital for the EU and its member states to support the entry process. That is also true for the German government.
Bilingual schools and universities both in Turkey and Germany can help to strengthen the former’s ties to Europe, build bridges between the two countries and promote integration. And that would help the internationalisation of Germany
Bild.com
