“To honor Atatürk’s political project, I knelt down. I was not aware of the potential tumult. This gesture made the front page in Turkey. The video was seen from the tens of millions of times. I received hundreds of reactions”explains Theo Francken on his X account.
The behavior of Theo Francken during the national holiday provokes an uproar: “his resignation must be required”, “shocking, disrespectful”
Some have seen a nationalist nationalist tribute in his gesture. Others have seen a salvation with a man who fought political Islam. At a time when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to recreate an Islamic company, this salvation provokes, without surprise, sparks.
Theo Francken gave more explanations on his gesture. “”Atatürk put an end to the Caliphate, relegated Islam to the background instead of letting it take the reins of society, written a secular constitution, granted to women all political rights (well before many European countries) and defended peace, science and education. And, of course, he was a Turkish nationalist, like all Turkish leaders. “
This gesture earned him to be congratulated by the main opposition party. The chief of the CHP, the Kemalist party, sent him a letter to thank him “On behalf of the Turkish people “.
“Belgium does not care about us”, “no lesson to receive arrogant industrialists”: strong tensions between Francken and the boss of Dassault
This politico-media tornado could have pushed the Minister of Defense to want to be more reserved on this level in the future. But it is not. “”Honestly, I was not aware of the political sensitivity of the gesture and I do not want to be trained in a partisan game. But I do not regret having kneel. I would do it again tomorrow. “
