The Defence Attaché Association Annual Gala

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The Defence Attaché Association Annual Gala

The Defence Attaché Association in The Hague organized its annual gala dinner in October of last year, which had to be put on hold for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was dedicated to its members and specially invited guests, coinciding with the autumn briefing for the military attaches accredited to the Netherlands.

This year, the event took place at Madurodam Park, which was transformed into a formal dining room, attracting a record attendance of a hundred guests representing diplomatic missions.

The majority of the guests were posted in the Netherlands, but many were also accredited to the Netherlands and had official residences in various European countries. Defence/Armed Forces Attachés stationed in France, Germany, Belgium, and the UK joined the military attaches living in The Hague for a full-day briefing followed by an exquisite gala dinner and ball with a great live band.

Colonel Stein Johannessen, Norwegian Defence Attache in The Hague and his wife Tone; Colonel Piers Strudwick, British Defence Attache in The Hague and his wife Jane.

According to Colonel Stein Westlye Johannessen, the Defence Attaché of Norway and Dean of Defence Attaché Association of The Hague, the event was an unabashed success, providing an opportunity for attachés to deepen their ties with the host country and build strong relationships with key personnel. Speeches were given throughout the evening, including a toast to all heads of states by Captain Antoon Hertogs, Defence Attaché of Sweden, welcome words by Colonel Stein Johannessen, a speech by Brigadier General Jan Blacquiere, Head of the Foreign Liaison Office in the Ministry of Defence, a speech by Vice-admiral Arie Jan de Waard, Directeur of the Defensie Materieel Organisatie, and some words about the war in Ukraine by Colonel Yurii Herashchenko, Defence Attaché of Ukraine. The final toast was given by Colonel Piers Strudwick, Defence Attaché of the United Kingdom, thanking everyone for the dinner.

New attachés were welcomed to the Defence attaché community and after the dinner the ball continued until midnight. The event was a resounding success, and given the increased importance of the military in Europe due to the war in Ukraine, the organizers are already looking forward to this year’s event.

The Philippines Authors Forum

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The Philippines Authors Forum
By Roy Lie Atjam

The Philippine Embassy organized an authors’ forum on Contemporary Conversations on Philippine Culture and History.

The forum offered an excellent update on contemporary books, literature and the commemoration of National Literature Month and National Heritage Month. The venue was the Embassy of the Philippines, Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall, on 12 April 2023.

Featuring at the Authors Forum were Dr Stephanie Marie Coo, Ms Katrina Stuart Santiago, and Mr Kristian Sendon Cordero. They all delivered outstanding presentations. Isolating the presentation by Dr Stephanie Coo, she held an expose on her encyclopedic study on Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-1896.

Dr Stephanie Marie Coo, Philippines Forum.

In her expose Stephanie Coo focused on the use of the Barong Tagalog and on the colonial clothing culture of the Philippines. She mentioned an interesting detail, the undeniable role men played in fashion. Dr Coo is a passionate chino filipino author and historian educated in Manila, Beijing, and Nice. She was in The Hague for a brief visit.

Dr Stephanie Marie Coo has won the prestigious International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS) Book Prize for her book “Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-18.

In his welcome remarks, H.E. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya underscored the significance of writing, reading and literature, setting the tone for an evening of engaging discussions. “Reading and literature enables us to see through the lenses of others, and the experiences of others. It makes it possible to comprehend and understand various situations from many perspectives,” the Ambassador said.

Dr. Stephanie Marie Coo, author of the multi-awarded book “Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-1896,” provided a visual overview of the attire worn by men and women in the Philippines during the Spanish era. As she explored colonial clothing, she provided unique insights into the clothing styles during that period and emphasized the significance of rigor in doing research, stressing that it must be done scientifically and presented creatively.

Ms. Katrina Stuart Santiago, the Philippines Forum.

Ms. Katrina Stuart Santiago, an author, literary critic, writing professor, and founder of PAGASAph, shared the story of how she co-founded “Everything’s Fine,” a Philippine press that publishes books on independent cultural practices. She shared her personal journey in writing and how she pursued independence, not by isolating but by immersing herself in her surroundings and simply aspiring to be better. “Storytelling is an act of rebellion, and that it is crucial to support independent cultural practices,” she said.

Mr Kristian Sendon Cordero, Philippines Forum.

Chosen as one of the Philippines’ Ten Most Outstanding Young Men in 2022, Mr. Kristian Sendon Cordero, talked about the inspiring story of how he established the bookshop “Savage Mind: Arts, Books and Cinema,” which has become the creative heart of Naga City. He shared how this bookshop opened new engagements and networks among younger populations and indigenous communities in Naga and the whole of Bicol province, built around the common love for arts, books, and cinema.

The lively and insightful open forum that followed was moderated by Ms. Dheza Aguilar, Managing Editor of The Filipino Expat Magazine, while Consul Nomer Ado served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

In a Facebook post, the SARO Community said “Cultures have always been changing and adapting… but being away from home should not give us the impression that it’s okay to forget our own – it is our moral responsibility to encourage, understand, protect and preserve our cultural heritage.”

The event was organized in collaboration with the SARO Community, the Bicol Community Nederlands Foundation, and the Savage Mind: Arts, Books and Cinema, a bookstore based in Naga City, Camarines Sur.”

Indeed, a vivid, insightful and captivating open forum.

Uzbekistan Ready for Change

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Uzbekistan Ready for Change

(Uzbekistan, April 30). The country is living today at a crucial moment in its history with a National Referendum taking place at this moment to introduce a new Constitution that will change the future of Uzbeks’ people if passed. Diplomat Magazine has been accredited as an international media and electoral observer, monitoring the referendum activities in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital.

A 103 years old with his family going to vote.

With the eventual approval of the Referendum, powers of the Oliy Majilis chambers will be strengthened and the parliamentary institution will be guaranteed in the new Constitution. Many powers now under presidential decision will be transferred to parliament, including amongst other issues, the selection of the Attorney General, the President of the House of  Representatives, government fight against gambling and corruption, important changes in labor laws, incentives to the economy and business regulations like fair competition and intellectual property, children protection and specific gender equality terms.

Today people started voting as early as 8am. It is expected that by 3pm 95% of registered voters would have exercised their right to vote, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev who already cast his vote in the company of his family.

Voting station

The referendum is supported by the United Nations for necessary changes in the constitution aimed at modernizing the functioning of the State, recalling that Uzbekistan’s independence is a very young one, since 1992, which needs legal updates and a modernized  government. President “Mirzi”, the Uzbek president’s nickname, is still on top of popularity. 

“He enjoys a great popularity amongst Uzbeks citizens thanks to his useful reforms in government”, said one interviewed voter. Mirzi is presently in his second mandate as President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,  in contrast with former president Islam Karimov who was very cautious in introducing changes to guide his country from communism to current democracy.

Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr Mayelinne De Lara during an interview at the Central Election Commission.

Diplomat Magazine has visited  the Central Election Commission, interviewed politicians and  stayed at one of the biggest voting stations to watch the referendum process that runs without any incidents. Ballots are in Uzbek, in Cyril alphabet, in Russian and braille.

Over 400 journalists are accredited as representatives of the international press, without any further movement restrictions to pursue our work in this capital. The United Nations brought its observers to report on the referendum.

The Bicentennial Concert, a Historical Commemoration in The Hague

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The Bicentennial Concert, a Historical Commemoration in The Hague

Two centuries ago, the course of history was forever changed in Latin America when seven countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Peru achieved their long-awaited independence from Spanish colonial rule. In 1821, these nations embarked on a journey towards self-determination and freedom, leaving behind a legacy that would shape the destiny of the American continent.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, the embassies of these seven countries, joined forces to celebrate their bicentennial of independence through a grand concert. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this historic event finally came to fruition on October 11, 2022, at the Conservatoriumzaal of Amare National Theatre in The Hague.

The Bicentennial Concert.

The preparations for this exceptional celebration began many months in advance, with the initial plan to hold the concert in December 2021. However, the ongoing pandemic forced organizers to postpone the event. Nevertheless, the resilience and determination of the participating nations, diplomats, musicians, and organizers prevailed, and the concert eventually took place, highlighting the deep significance of this historical milestone.

The Latin American friendship and unity were palpable throughout the entire process, as the participating countries came together with a shared passion to discuss the program, guests, and music selection even in the existing circumstances. The eight countries that co-hosted the event: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Peru, joined in solidarity by the Dominican Republic, collaborated closely with the Conservatory of The Hague to orchestrate this meaningful event.

H.E. Ms. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal, Ambassador of Argentina and H.E. Ms. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua., the Ambassador of Cameroon.

H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama, took the stage to address the guests on behalf of her colleagues, present at the Conservatorium Auditorium: H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica; H.E. Mrs. Carmen María Gallardo de Hernández, ambassador of El Salvador; H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, Ambassador of Guatemala; H.E. Mr. Jose Antonio Zabalgoitia Trejo, Ambassador of Mexico; H.E. Mrs. Marisol Agüero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru; H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Durán, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, and Ms. Viviane de Pierrefeu Midence, Changee d’affaires of Honduras, echoing the sentiments of unity and shared history among the participating nations. Her words resonated with the audience, setting the stage for the musical journey that was about to unfold.

“Tonight, you will enjoy a musical journey of pieces carefully selected to represent each of our countries. Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to listen to outstanding musicians who are studying at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. Many of them hail from the Latin American region. As a celebration of unity, ‘Ode to Joy’ has been included to conclude the program,” Ambassador Neiman declared, capturing the essence of the evening’s celebration.

As the concert program unfolded, a sense of pride and nostalgia washed over the audience as they recognized songs from their respective countries. The audience transformed into a spontaneous chorus, filling the hall with joyous and heartfelt renditions of beloved melodies.

H.E. Mrs. Marisol Agüero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru welcoming the Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal.

Special recognition was extended to the Director of the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Mr. Henk van der Meulen, for his unwavering support. Additionally, the students who dedicated countless hours to rehearse the diverse repertoire, which included tracks from each participating country, were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the evening’s success.

In the grand Conservatoriumzaal of Amare National Theatre in The Hague, history came alive through music, unity, and shared celebration. The concert opened with the moving music of Peru, a majestic processional piece sung in Quechua, providing a captivating introduction to the evening’s festivities. Then, baroque music from Guatemala and Mexico were also present and the pieces that followed were advancing in time and staging musical instruments from the region, such as marimbas and others. Each participating country’s unique cultural heritage and musical traditions were celebrated through a diverse selection of pieces performed by talented musicians.

The event was an unequivocal success, with a distinguished guest list that included ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, Dutch government authorities, and business leaders.

The two hundred anniversary concert of the independence of these seven Latin American countries not only commemorated a pivotal moment in history but also served as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cultural heritage that unite nations across borders. It was a night to remember, an ode to Latin American resilience, and a harmonious illustration of traditional Latin American cohesion and unity.

Salsa Workshop for Diplomats

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Salsa Workshop for Diplomats

Once again, the Embassy of Cuba and Diplomat Magazine presented the annual Cuban Salsa Workshop for Diplomats in The Hague, which attracted more than 150 amateur dancers who came every Thursday of March to learn the secrets of the world-renowned dance. 

All continents were well-represented – diplomats from India, Kenia, Guatemala, China, Vietnam, Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Kosovo, and Japan all came to enjoy and relax after a long workday.

H.E. Ms. Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher and Ms. Lourdes Escobar, Consul of Cuba presenting the certificates of participations to the Salsa Workshop.

“We welcomed all diplomats to share their passion for dance and music in this exciting class. Everyone enjoyed this vital element of Cuban culture regardless of fitness or dancing level”, affirmed Professor Cala, following the event that has been qualified as a success.

Cuban salsa instructor Rafael Cala guided the group for four weeks through the ins and outs of this famous dance; basic steps of salsa, mambo, and rumba, and even some advanced techniques. A group of dancers from Cala School also came to support the participants, giving them the opportunity to practice with professional dancers.

Dance teacher, Rafael Cala and First Secretary of the Embassy of Israel, Ms Fentai Alamu.

The event ended with a celebration, where dancers had the opportunity to practice what they had learned in the past few weeks in a free-dancing mode with Mildred Latin show.

Mildred came with a selection of the best Latin songs to make the participants feel like they were on a real Cuban dancing floor. Tasty Cuban food and drinks were also provided by the Embassy for the participants to truly experience Cuban culture.

Dance teacher, Rafael Cala, Nelly Blokker, Directorate-General for Foreign ecomomic Relations/International Enterprise at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Ms Anet PIno Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba.

“For Cubans, dancing salsa is like riding a bicycle for the Dutch; Cuban people dance while walking and live through dance. It is a distinctive social element of our culture that we want to share with all of you. What you have learned in these classes is a part of us, it is a bond of friendship, a legacy of happiness”, claimed H.E. Ms. Anet Pino Rivero, the Ambassador of Cuba, before presenting every participant with a certificate of accomplishment.

Kosovo Diplomat – Salsa Workshop 2023 – Graduation Day

The workshop took place every Thursday of March at Dansstudio Residance Dorany, Mercuriusweg 37, The Hague. Rafael Cala will continue offering private dancing classes throughout the year.

Information at:  +31 6 13362750


President of the European Council Charles Michel received the credentials of the Ambassador of Turkmenistan

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President of the European Council Charles Michel received the credentials of the Ambassador of Turkmenistan

Monday, 24 April 2023, Brussels: A ceremony of presentation of credentials of Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the European Union, Sapar Palvanov to the President of the European Council Charles Michel as the head of the Representative Office of Turkmenistan to the European Union. By presidential decree signed by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Sapar Palvanov was appointed as the new head of Turkmenistan’s Representative Office to the European Union on 18 February 2023.

A bilateral meeting was held within the framework of the ceremony, during which the European politician noted the importance of high-level contacts and suggested organizing a meeting with the President of Turkmenistan in Brussels this year to discuss prospects for enhancing cooperation.

Emphasizing the respect of the European Union for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Turkmenistan, Charles Michel expressed interest in further strengthening ties with the countries of the Central Asian region. In this context, the head of the European Council identified three main areas of the EU agenda for Central Asia: security, peace and socio-economic development.

President Michel & Ambassador Palvanov .

Speaking about the latest trends in expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation with Turkmenistan, the President of the European Council welcomed the holding of another round of the Turkmenistan-European Union Human Rights Dialogue in Ashgabat in November 2022, as well as the recent visit to Turkmenistan of the EU Special Representatives for Human Rights and Central Asia, and their negotiations with relevant institutions of Turkmenistan.

The Turkmen diplomat, in turn, focused on the importance of neutrality in the country’s foreign policy and spoke about Turkmenistan’s reforms and progress in areas of interest to the EU. The focus was on economic issues such as trade, energy, transport projects, climate change and cooperation in the digital economy. Some of the potential examples of cooperation, particularly in the areas of environment protection and education, were also highlighted to enhance efforts to build on the mutual engagement. Likewise, the Ambassador shared Turkmenistan’s official stance on the key issues of the global and regional agendas.

In conclusion, the sides renewed their commitment to continuing cooperation and openness to constructive dialogue and interaction within Turkmenistan — European Union and Central Asia – European Union platforms.

For further information 
Mission of Turkmenistan to the EU, Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg (HE Ambassador Sapar Palvanov): https://belgium.tmembassy.gov.tm/en

Images by European Union 

Bavarian talk with Egypt’s Ambassador Khaled Abdelhamid

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Bavarian talk with Egypt’s Ambassador Khaled Abdelhamid

Thursday, 27 April 2023, Munich, Free State of Bavaria: The Head of Bavarian Chancellery, Minister of State for Federal and Media Affairs, Dr. Florian Herrmann, received the Egyptian Ambassador Khaled Mohamed Galaleldin Abdelhamid and the Vice-President of the German-Arab Friendship Society, Houssam Maarouf, for talks at the State Chancellery.

Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann said as per statement: “Bavaria in the world: The joint fields of action of Bavaria and Egypt are diverse and offer opportunities for both sides, e.g. in raw materials, labour and infrastructure. New partners and new markets are important in order to position ourselves for the future. Many thanks to the Ambassador of Egypt, Khaled Abdelhamid, and the Vice President of the German-Arab Friendship Society, Houssam Maarouf, for the good, inspiring exchange.”

Staatskanzleichef Dr. Florian Herrmann: Gespräch mit S. E. Khaled Galal Abdelhamid, Botschafter von Ägypten, und Moussam Maarouf, Vice-Präsident Deu.-Arab.-Freundschaftsgesellschaft aufgenommen am 27.04.2023 in Muenchen. Foto: Joerg Koch/ Bayerische Staatskanzlei Fotograf: Joerg Koch joerg@joergkochfoto.de; +49-175-1815173;

For further information 

Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Germany: : https://egyptian-embassy.de

Images by Bayerische Staatskanzlei 

2023 Türkiye

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2023 Türkiye

Most Important Elections on the 100th anniversary of Establishment of the Republic of Türkiye – country at a turning point

Türkiye is preparing to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on 14 May 2023, after Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, had announced that the date of the elections will be moved from the previously scheduled 18 June to 14 May 2023. These elections in Türkiye have been described as “the most important in the history of the country”[2]since the inception of the Republic. In addition to a plethora of parties and presidential candidates, there is also a consensus both within and outside Turkey that this time the elections will be a turning point for the future of the country. The importance of these twenty eighth presidential and parliamentary elections in Türkiye is derived from the fact that they are taking place 100 years after the establishment of the modern Republic of Türkiye by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the Republic is entering the second century of its existence under very complex global circumstances.

Undoubtedly, these elections will directly inform the formulation of geo-political relations[3], powers and balance in the context of the military conflict between the Eastern and Western block on the territory of Ukraine. The decision that the Turkish voters will make in May shall not reflect just on who will lead the country, but also on the economic path Türkiye will take, and on the role it will have in the mitigation of global and regional conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the turmoil in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa.

Election process

The Turkish Supreme Election Council (YSK) announced that 60,904,499 voters are eligible to participate at the elections and can vote at 190,736 polling stations, as well as that there are 3,286,786 eligible voters abroad, who will vote at 4,969 polling stations abroad in the period from 27 April to 9 May 2023. 

On the day of elections, that is 14 May 2023, the voters will simultaneously elect the new president of the Republic and 600 deputies/representatives in the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Türkiye.

Election of the President of the Republic 

The President of the Republic of Türkiye is elected directly through two rounds in which a candidate has to win a relative majority (more than 50%) of votes to be elected. If no candidate wins a majority of votes in the first round, then the second round of elections will be held on 28 May 2023 and will involve two candidates with the largest number of votes won in the first round of elections. 

The mandate of the President of the Republic of Türkiye is limited to two terms of five years each. However, if early elections are held before the end of the second term, a third term is allowed. Early elections can be held either with the support of 60% of deputies/representatives in the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Türkiye or by a presidential decree. Presidential candidates have to be at least 40 years old and have a university degree. Candidates can be nominated by any political party that had won 5% of votes at the previous parliamentary elections, while parties that had not met the threshold can join forces and nominate a joint candidate, if their overall total of votes won exceeds 5%. Independent candidates can run at the elections if they collect 100,000 signatures of voters. 

Presidential candidates include:

● Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, born on 26 February 1954. The current President will face the most difficult test in his 20-year long rule. He is the founder and leader of the Party of Justice and Development (AKP). Erdoğan has been leading the country since he became the prime minister in 2002. 

He was appointed President of the Republic of Türkiye by the parliament in 2014. His powers are symbolic only in theory. Namely, the critics assert that he had de-facto established a presidential system after taking the office. 

The 2017 referendum paved the way to a presidential system. At the 2018 elections Erdoğan was elected President after having won 52.59% of votes at elections with a high turnout of 86.24%.

Erdoğan is the candidate of the People’s Alliance (Cumhur İttifakı) coalition, which was established in February 2018 by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

● Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, was born on 17 December 1948. He has been the main opposition leader in the country for 13 years already. Kılıçdaroğlu is the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the candidate of the National Alliance, known also as the “Table of Six”. He is a seasoned politician but has been criticized for his lack of charisma. However, he has been endorsed by three individuals with significant capacity of the kind. Specifically, Meral Akşener, President of the Iyi party /Good Party/, Mansur Yavaş, Ankara Mayor and Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul Mayor. 

It is expected that if Kılıçdaroğlu wins the three of them would become vice presidents, which would be an unusual and unstable arrangement for any government. 

Yavaş and İmamoğlu were instrumental in the defeat of the AKP in the two most important cities at the 2019 local elections. That was the first sign the ruling AKP party was losing the support of voters.

● Muharem Ince was born on 4 May 1964. He is the leader of the right-wing, nationalist Homeland Party. This will be the second time for him to run against Erdoğan, as he was defeated at the last presidential elections, when he won 30.64% of votes. After withdrawing from the CHP, in 2021 he established the Homeland Party (MP).

Despite the calls of the opposition to withdraw his candidacy so that the opposition votes are not dispersed, İnce strongly believes he will qualify for the second round. The opposition accuses him that his candidacy plays into the hands of Erdoğan. 

● Sinan Oğan was born on 1 September. He is a Turkish politician of Azerbaijan descent, nominee of the Ancestral Alliance (Ata İttifakı) and a former member of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). He was expelled for the second time from the party in 2017, after he had returned and won the appeal against his removal from the party in 2015. 

The ATA Alliance nominated him as its presidential candidate after he had collected more than 100,000 signatures, on 26 March 2023. Currently he is an independent politician, less known to the public than other candidates. Oğan was a representative in the parliament from 2011 to 2015. 

Elections for the Grand People’s Assembly of the Republic of Türkiye 

The Turkish Supreme Council (YSK) announced that 36 parties were eligible to participate at the elections, as they had met the prescribed conditions, although there are 122 officially registered political parties in Türkiye. 

A total of 600 deputies/representatives of Great People’s Assembly of the Republic of Türkiye will be elected through a proportional system in 87 electoral districts using the D’Hondt method[4]. According to the electoral legislation, electoral districts are organized so that 77 provinces (Türkiye has a total of 81 provinces) constitute one electoral district each. The exceptions are the provinces of Bursa and Izmir which are divided in two electoral districts, as well as the provinces of Ankara and Istanbul, which are divided into three electoral districts because of their large population. 

At the initiative of the ruling AKP party and its main political ally, the MHP party, in 2022 the Turkish parliament lowered the national election threshold for participation of political parties in the Parliament from 10% to 7%. This was the first lowering of the election threshold since the military junta introduced it after a coup d’état in Turkey in 1980.

Political parties can also decide to run at the elections in a political alliance with other parties, thus circumventing the condition of 7% for each individual party separately. Namely, the current requirement is that a political alliance wins more than 7% of votes. 

Pre-election coalitions

At the elections the following pre-election coalitions will compete against each other:

● People’s Alliance Coalition (Cumhur İttifakı), which includes the ruling Party of Justice and Development (AKP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Free Cause Party (Hüda-Par), which is a Sunni-Kurdish Islamist political party in Turkey. The party is closely affiliated with the Kurdish Hezbollah, a Kurdish Islamist militant organization that the Turkish government had declared a terrorist organization.  

● Table of Six Coalition (Altılı Masa) includes the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Good Party (IYI), Felicity Party (SAADET), Democratic Party (DP), Party of Democracy and Progress (DEVA) and the Future Party (GP). The Table of Six was initially an independent entity from the national alliance and it was only on 21 January 2023 that they took the name “National Alliance – Millet İttifakı.”

● Labor and Freedom Alliance (Emek ve Özgürlük İttifakı) is a left-wing election coalition consisting of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP), Workers’ Party (TİP), Labor Party (EMEP), Laborist Movement Party (EHP), Social Freedom Party (TÖP) and Federation of Socialist Assemblies (SMF). The aim of the Alliance is “equality, freedom, brotherhood, peace and democracy for the Turkish society.”

● Ancestral Coalition (Ata İttifakı) is a right-wing alliance established by the discontented members of the MHP after the party brokered an alliance with the AKP at the state level in 2015. It was established in March 2023 and includes the Victory Party, Justice Party, My Country Party and the Turkish Alliance Party.

● Union of Socialist Forces (Sosyalist Güç Birliği) was formed by the Left Party (SOL), Communist Party of Türkiye (TKP), Communist Movement of Türkiye (TKH) and the Revolution Movement (DH). It was established in August 2022. In its founding declaration, the alliance offers five points as their ideological ground. The declaration is focused on forced nationalization and anti-capitalism, societal equality and public ownership, anti-NATO and anti-American policy, secularism, anti-clericalism and anti-discrimination in the Turkish society.  

Election campaign and the recent earthquake 

Political parties have officially commenced their election campaigns. The streets and squares are covered with big posters with appealing messages to the voters. This time the parties did not resort to the traditional methods used in the previous campaigns when the candidates drove around in cars along the streets and played songs especially made for the campaign purposes. The reason for that is the public atmosphere of continuous morning for the enormous human and material losses inflicted by the earthquake of 6 February this year. The devastating earthquake will probably have major political repercussions that could have a decisive impact on the decisions of many voters when they cast their votes mid next month. However, that will not be the only deciding factor, because the economic crisis, the inflation of 57% from February 2023, high unemployment level of around 10%, and the diminishing purchasing power of citizens will play a crucial role. In fact, it will play a role that will be not less important, and even bigger than the resentment prevailing in the public with respect to the humanitarian consequences of the earthquake. Therefore, both the ruling parties and the opposition have focuses on these two issues in their election campaigns. 

On 10 April 2023, the same day when Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the opposition leader and presidential candidate, posted a video recording from his modest kitchen promising to reduce the price of onion in the country, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan inaugurated the commissioning of the first aircraft carrier, which will predominantly transport drones. This is the first carrier of the kind in the world – TCG Anadolu. In such a way, a debate was opened on the current priorities of Turkish voters. While Erdoğan’s election campaign is mainly based on large national projects, opposition candidates focus on common daily life issues   and the difficult economic situation that the citizens face, particularly in relation to the inflation, which has reached unparalleled levels, and the high prices, which have affected all aspects of their lives. 

In the same context, Erdoğan promises to continue large national and strategic projects, particularly those related to infrastructure, defense industry, etc., while the opposition leaders promise to reduce the prices of basic commodities and stop selling immovable property to foreigners, in order to lower their prices and make them affordable to Turkish citizens- since their prices have increased to unprecedented levels. 

On the other hand, although Turkish voters welcome these large and important projects, and the opposition does not diminish the respective achievements, a significant percentage of citizens believe that under the current circumstances priority should be given to improvement of economic living conditions. 

Erdoğan’s main rival, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, posts on daily basis video-clips from his modest kitchen focusing on resolution of the economic situation as the citizens are concerned over it -particularly in relation to the growth of prices of vegetables, fruits and meat, as well as the growth of real prices of property and many other things that affect daily lives of citizens. 

To this day the opposition has not offered convincing mechanisms for improvement of economic conditions, but speaks only about an austerity policy, sale of Erdoğan’s presidential planes and vehicles and taking of loans from the World Bank (WB), which causes doubts and fears among Turkish voters, who believe that the return to the era of taking of loans from the World Banks would mean a “return to the era of tutorship”, and remind of the constant drops in the value of Turkish lira  prior to Erdoğan’s arrival to power in 2002.

Undecided voters 

The undecided voters are a paradox and a point of concern for the Turkish opposition. Namely, even if the Party of Justice and Development (AKP) wins a smaller number of votes, for a number of reasons, it would not imply that the opposition would get more votes, but would remain in the category of the votes of the “floating” and undecided voters. 

Assessments indicate that in Turkey this segment was and still is in the area of around 20% of votes, which is a significant percentage and all political parties should take this segment into account and focus on it. 

It is worth reminding that in their early stages both the Party of Justice and Development and Erdoğan appealed to such voters and focused on galvanizing them, after he had persuaded them to vote at the elections. Erdoğan’s slogan “We are the voice of the voiceless and the voice of the quiet ones” was essential for the success achieved at the last elections. 

The Turkish opposition wants to win the undecided voters through the policy of attacks and criticizing of all Erdoğan’s achievements over the past two decades. However, such methods usually yield results opposite to the ones that the opposition hopes to achieve. The same happened at the 2018 elections when just before the end of the election race such votes “crossed” to the AKP side, because such voters did not find a convincing and credible alternative. 

Economic policy

Definitely, nothing in Türkiye is the same as it was 20 years ago, as the opposition claims, because the average income per capita in 2001 amounted to 3,500 dollars, and during the multi-year rule of the AKP it increased to almost 12,000 dollars, as a natural result of the increase of the gross domestic product (GDP), which reached 905 billion dollars in 2022. Türkiye is currently the 19th largest economy in the world. 

As for the foreign trade exchange, Türkiye’s export continuously increases. Despite the high interest rate and the drop in the value of the national currency due to various speculations, the state has managed to transform the currency exchange crisis into an opportunity, as a result of what the export has increased to 254 billion dollars in 2022. 

The opposition is always critical of economic results of the government. It also criticized the decrease of interest rates and the removal of the Governor of the Turkish Central Bank. However, so far the opposition has not presented its economic vision and only criticizes, which causes suspicions on the part of the voters because it is logical that if you criticize something you should offer an alternative. It seems that for the time being the opposition has no plan, except to increase the interest rates again, which would contribute to the growth of Turkish lira in comparison to the dollar in the short term, but in the long term would be detrimental for the Turkish economy because of the increased inflation level. 

Türkiye at a turning point

The upcoming elections are the most important presidential and parliamentary elections in the history of Türkiye, as they will decide its fate and its political and economic future. The elections will take place within the framework of the new presidential system, which the country adopted in 2018 and which gives broad powers to the President with respect to management of the country, which bearing in mind the economic challenges the country is facing and the international developments related to the region and the world is important for adoption of swift and effective decisions. 

Türkiye is faced with numerous challenges: economic, political and diplomatic, as well as tensions in the relations between the current government and some European countries and countries in the region, including the United States and the European Union. 

Bearing in mind the importance Türkiye has as a regional power, the election results will have their implications on the entire region and international relations. As Türkiye is a NATO member it plays an important role at the regional and international level, including the Syria crisis, Israeli- Palestinian conflict, civil war in Libya and the war in Ukraine, where Erdoğan is the only Western leader who has maintained excellent relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

For the time being it is difficult to forecast the results of elections. Final results could be surprising. However, the most important thing is that the elections be conducted in a democratic, free and fair way, that all participants accept the final results of the elections and that efforts be invested in the strengthening of democracy and affirmation of human rights in Türkiye. 

The elections in Türkiye will be an important moment for expression of the will of Turkish citizens and definition of the political and economic path of the country for the future, as well as achievement of political stability and economic progress, its affirmation in international relations and strengthening of the Turkish role at the regional and international level. 

Published by IFIMES Ljubljana/Washington/Brussels, 27 April 2023 

Footnotes:
[1] IFIMES – The International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, has a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)/UN since 2018. and it’s publisher of the international scientific journal “European Perspectives”.
[2] The Washington Post: World’s Most Important Election in 2023 Will Be in Turkey, link:  www.washingtonpost.com/business/energy/the-worlds-most-important-election-in-2023-will-be-in-turkey/2023/01/09/ac2cf916-8fe3-11ed-90f8-53661ac5d9b9_story.html 
[3] Chinese President Xi Jinping: China Faces More Complicated Challenges, link: www.bnnbloomberg.ca/xi-says-china-faces-more-complicated-challenges-xinhua-reports-1.1797627
[4] The D’Hondt method www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2019/637966/EPRS_BRI(2019)637966_EN.pdf

Des Juges’ Reopening at The Peace Palace

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Des Juges’ Reopening at The Peace Palace

Great news for the diplomatic corps in The Hague. After almost three year closed the Peace Palace’s Restaurant Des Juges will be open again to host its guests in one of the most exclusive dinning of the city of Peace & Justice with amazing menu and professional chef and staff.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce the reopening of Restaurant des Juges on May 9th 2023. Our team is excited to welcome our clients after a three-year period of closure.” Declared General Manager, Wilma Broekarts.

What motivated you to reopen Des Juges? “it is an icon of The Hague, nothing can be compared to have lunch at the Peace Palace surrounded by the most beautiful gardens in town, for any diplomat it is a unique experience. I felt it was my turn to keep it alive and on top of that I have the dream team supporting me. Our chefs: Mark Ligtvoet and Ed Gillisse are well experienced and have both worked at high level restaurants. Their focus in the classic French cuisine using as many Dutch products as possible. They also like to draw inspiration from other cuisines from around the world. Your host in the restaurant will be Tim Zinsmeyer, well known to everyone in the Peace Palace. He will make sure that your lunch is taken care to the last detail and that you return back of on office with a smile. It can’t be better”, said Wilma.

According to Ms. Boekarts the 2nd and 3rd course menus will be changing daily, taking into account any customer’s allergies when requested.

Reservations can be made by members of the Diplomatic corps by email: restaurantdesjuges@peacepalace.org  or by telephone: 0703024187. Opened every working day from 12.30 to 14.30.

Eurojust assists Czech Republic and Finland in dismantling human trafficking network

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Eurojust assists Czech Republic and Finland in dismantling human trafficking network

The Hague, 25 April 2023

Supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities in the Czech Republic and Finland have dismantled a criminal network involved in trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Thirteen suspects have been arrested in three joint actions and over 90 victims have been brought to safety. Eurojust assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.

Active since at least 2019, the interconnected organised crime groups (OGCs) allegedly recruited women in the Czech Republic and forced them into prostitution in different locations in the Czech Republic and Finland. The OCGs were well organised with a clear division of roles. The suspects organised the transport and accommodation of the victims, advertised their services on dedicated escort websites and communicated with the customers.

The perpetrators kept and laundered part of the victims’ earnings to conceal their criminal origins. The OCGs are believed to have acquired large sums of money through this criminal activity.

During three joint actions that took place between April 2022 and January 2023, a total of thirteen suspects were arrested. Over EUR 200,000 in cash, 3 apartments, 4 luxury vehicles and other valuable items were seized. Over 90 victims have been already identified and brought to safety.

The Finnish court has already convicted three members of an OCG arrested in the first joint action in April 2022. The main suspect was convicted of aggravated pandering and other offences and sentenced to imprisonment of 2 years and 10 months. The second suspect was convicted of aggravated pandering and other offences to conditional imprisonment of 1 year. The proceeds of the crime confiscated in both cases amount to EUR 219,000 and EUR 6700, respectively. The third suspect was convicted of abetting the pandering and sentenced to conditional imprisonment of 3 months.

The case was opened by the Czech authorities in May 2021. A JIT was set up between the Czech and Finnish authorities with the support of Eurojust in August 2021. Three coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and prepare for the action days.

Europol supported the operation by deploying members of Analysis Project Phoenix with a mobile office to carry out rapid on-the-spot cross-checking and to provide forensic support during the action days.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Czech Republic: Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office in České Budějovice, Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office in Prague, District Public Prosecutor’s Office for Prague 3 and District Public Prosecutor’s Office in Ostrava; Police of the Czech Republic, National Centre Against Organised Crime Unit, Branch České Budějovice
  • Finland: Helsinki Police Department; Finnish Prosecution Authority, Prosecution District of Southern Finland
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