Erdogan claims that in Western countries, "especially in Europe," there is a "rise of anti-immigrant and Islamophobic far-right movements," as allegedly demonstrated by recent elections in those nations.
"Liberal democracy, which was once presented as a cure for all problems, has today lost its former strength, reputation, and influence. It is unable to chart a course for society, give meaning to politics, or instill hope and confidence in people. Politics, like life, cannot tolerate a vacuum. This is the situation that exists in the West today. As evident from recent elections, far-right demagogues are filling the vacuum in European democracies," he stated.
The President of Turkey believes that "only Turkey, Turkey's full membership can save the European Union from the deadlock it has found itself in: from the economy to defense, from politics to international reputation."