Germany’s Turkish community party DAVA leader lambasts far-right AfD

Germany will hold early federal elections on February 23, shaping its political direction for the next four years. The election is also highly crucial for Germany’s Turkish community.

With the rise of far-right extremism, the Democratic Alliance for Diversity and Awakening (DAVA)—founded by Germany’s Turkish community—has emerged as a strong alternative in the political arena.

In an exclusive interview, DAVA Party Chairman Teyfik Özcan spoke to turkiyegazetesi.com.tr about his party’s mission and the challenges faced by Türkiye and Muslim communities in Germany.

Ozcan emphasized what he calls ‘the double standard’ in Germany’s approach to religious communities, noting that while synagogues receive state protection, mosques remain vulnerable.

He said, “While synagogues in Germany are protected by security forces, mosques are not. We see a clear double standard. Authorities must guarantee the safety of Muslim worshippers, especially during Friday and Eid prayers. Attacks on mosques and Muslims must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Unfortunately, we don’t see this happening. Sometimes, the attackers are even protected, and officials downplay the incidents.”

“AfD wants to expel Muslims from Germany”

Ozcan warned that far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) presents a direct threat to the Muslim and Germany’s Turkish community, as the party has openly called for policies against Islamic practices.

AfD wants to remove Islam from Germany. They want to close mosques, ban the hijab, and, if possible, deport all Muslims. One of their top politicians even claimed that Germany could function with 20-30% fewer people, which directly targets foreigners. If politics and society continue shifting right, we as foreign-origin citizens must stand together and take action. That’s why DAVA was founded.

Ozcan

The head of Germany’s Turkish community party shares concerns on PKK

Ozcan strongly criticized Germany’s stance on PKK, stating that despite being a banned terrorist organization since 1993, it continues to operate freely:

“The PKK is active in Germany and across Europe, engaging in extortion, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. Despite this, the PKK enjoys widespread political, media, and bureaucratic support. Many people dislike the PKK but tolerate it because it opposes Türkiye.”

Ozcan also addressed the lack of political representation for Turks and Muslims in Germany:

“There are politicians of Turkish and Muslim origin in established parties who reject their roots to gain approval. They serve as symbolic figures but do not truly represent our community.

Unfortunately, the number of foreign-origin politicians is disproportionately low. We are strong at complaining but weak at taking action. This is why we lack political power.

DAVA will change this. For the future of our children and for social peace, I invite everyone to take an active role in politics. We need brave leaders to shape this country.”