Turkish Community Advocates for Increased Voter Participation in 2025 Bundestag Elections

As Germany approaches its Bundestag elections on February 23, 2025, the Turkish Community in Germany is launching a nationwide initiative to encourage higher voter turnout among the Turkish diaspora. Gökay Sofuoglu, the chairman of the Turkish Community, emphasized the significance of political engagement for the 1.2 million eligible voters of Turkish descent residing in Germany.

Sofuoglu pointed out that past elections have seen participation rates among this demographic fall below 20%, a stark contrast to the voting rates in Turkey, which range between 40% and 50%. He advocates that participation in German elections is crucial since the outcomes have a more direct impact on their lives than those in Turkey.

The campaign aims to double the turnout compared to previous elections, reflecting the community's belief that voting is a vital civic duty. The Turkish Community's initiative is set to take place in major cities across Germany, including Kiel, Hamburg, Essen, Koblenz, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Wiesbaden, and Hanover, culminating the day before the elections.

With a total of 7.1 million individuals with migration backgrounds eligible to vote, representing 15-17% of the overall voting population, the Turkish Community's campaign seeks to inform and mobilize these voters. By raising awareness about the importance of their electoral participation, the initiative aims to foster a more representative political landscape in Germany.

In light of the upcoming elections, the Turkish Community encourages all eligible voters to make their voices heard and contribute to shaping the future of the country.