Erdogan slams Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony amid controversy over values
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the party headquarters in Ankara, Türkiye, November 23, 2021. (Reuters Photo)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday voiced strong disapproval of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, condemning it as a “cursed trend.”
Erdogan’s remarks follow controversy over the inclusion of a segment he deems contrary to values.
Erdogan revealed that he initially planned to attend the opening ceremony upon an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron.
However, he changed his mind after a conversation with his 13-year-old granddaughter, who expressed concerns about the event’s content.
Erdogan cited her reaction after she showed him images of the ceremony on Instagram, leading him to decide against attending.
In his criticism, Erdogan described the ceremony as an attempt to undermine traditional values and moral standards.
“An international sports event, which should bring people together, was instead used to oppose the values that make us human,” he stated.
Erdogan characterized the event as an effort to degrade humanity and expressed his intention to discuss the issue with the Sovereign of Vatican City State Pope Francis.
Call for discussion with Pope
Erdogan plans to address the matter with the Pope, emphasizing his concern over what he perceives as moral degradation.
“I will call Pope at the earliest opportunity to discuss this with him. I will share with him the immorality being directed at the Christian world and all Christians,”Erdogan stated.
Erdogan argued that the Olympics’ international platform was misused to promote values that threaten the integrity of future generations and offend families.
The Turkish president’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between global cultural events and local or religious values.
Erdogan’s remarks reflect a broader discourse on the role of international events in shaping societal norms and the clash between traditional values and contemporary cultural expressions. His planned discussion with the Pope indicates an attempt to seek solidarity and address concerns shared by like-minded communities globally.
At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games, the reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” by drag queens sparked widespread controversy.
