Germany: Why Some Are Hesitant to Embrace Future Chancellor Cem Özdemir

In Germany's Baden-Württemberg state, Cem Özdemir, the Greens Party's top candidate, is expected to become prime minister. The rise of a politician of Turkish descent to this position is seen by many as a "success story of Turks in Germany." However, this success story is not greeted with the same enthusiasm by everyone. Notably, there is a noticeable distance and criticism towards Özdemir among conservative and nationalist Turks.

Kenan Aslan, the International Democrats Union (UID) Chairman, acknowledges the symbolic significance of Özdemir, as a politician of immigrant origin, ascending to an important position. However, according to Aslan, Özdemir's stance and rhetoric are struggling to be embraced by some segments of the society. "There is a clear distinction between appreciating someone for their political success and adopting their stance and rhetoric," says Aslan, highlighting that issues of representation, belonging, and values play a critical role in this distance.

Aslan notes that Özdemir's criticisms of the Turkish government are not positively received among the AKP voters in Germany. He states that Özdemir's use of "a critical and exclusionary language" concerning Turkey weakens the sense of belonging within the community. Aslan argues that the fundamental reason for the conservative Turks' distance from Özdemir lies in the feeling of representation being undermined, stating, "Looking like one of us is different from being one of us."

Özdemir's role in the recognition process of the Armenian Genocide has also caused resentment within the Turkish community. Aslan cites the decision made by the Federal Assembly in 2016 regarding the events of 1915, emphasizing that this process had a divisive effect on the diaspora. He particularly notes that the fact that this process was spearheaded by someone of Turkish origin deepened the resentment.

This situation reveals the depth of diversity and differing perspectives within the Turkish community in Germany. It remains to be seen how Cem Özdemir's political career will shape up in the future and how he will manage these differences. The increase in immigrant-origin leaders in German politics is significant in reflecting the diversity of society, but the challenges and opportunities it brings should be closely monitored.