Is the atmosphere in France changing?

According to the poll, 49 percent of left lean support Turkey’s EU bid where 41 percent opposes it. Among right-wingers, 67 percent stand against Turkish accession to the EU as 19 percent give support to Turkey. The same research company, CSA, in a previous survey held in 2005 revealed that 66 percent of French people were against Turkey’s EU membership. So, the anti-Turkey camp has lost 16 points in four years!

In spite of the geographical distance between the two countries, France and Turkey have many similarities: the nation-building process, concept of minorities, weight of the agriculture, centrality of state in public administration, place of religion in the public domain, place of military in political life, education and curriculum. Starting from these similarities, one can understand the French reservation or opposition to Turkey to some extent. Most of the aforementioned notions are imported from France. Despite all the bickering, in Turkey discussions in particular on religion’s place in the public sphere are way beyond those in France. Ongoing discussions in Turkey are being perceived as a revision of the laicism principle, which in turn makes the fear deepen.

As for Islam per se, forget about integration of millions of Muslims whose size reaches around 10 percent of total French population; France has deep difficulties to co-habit with them. Thus Turkey’s Muslim population is a potential nightmare for many in France and elsewhere in Europe, in the case of membership to the EU.

The Sarkozy factor
Since 2004 the French right has simply added fuel to the flames regarding public opinions’ negative feelings toward Turkey and enlargement in general. As the European Parliament elections will be held on June 6-9, Turkey comes out of the French President Sarkozy’s wonder hat again. But this time, German Chancellor Merkel accompanies him. Over the last weekend, Sarkozy and Merkel openly, acting together, addressed young Christian Democrats in Germany. Instead of full membership for Turkey they renewed their "privileged partnership," which without exception no one knows what it is. Besides the EP elections, Merkel is preparing for the Bundestag elections scheduled for Sept. 27. However, conducting election campaigns by Turkey-bashing could backfire one day.

As for Sarkozy, let’s not forget that he is not the old upbeat Sarkozy anymore, his remarks are not agreed on easily, and even he tells the truth that his position is rejected outright by the majority of citizens. French people are sick and tired of his arrogance and his constant way of tearing down without being able to build instead. You should’ve seen the French press last week about Sarkozy’s second year as French president. The media was asking, "How will we stand this man for another three years?"

Indeed there is no guarantee for Sarkozy being re-elected in 2012. Of course, his rival’s ability will be vital, but it is possible to talk about "Sarkozy abhorrence" today. So his anti-Turkey stance may not infinitely go as planned.

Moreover as the opinion poll reveals, the French are not necessarily against Turkey. As everyone in sober mind, the French too have begun to see Turkey’s EU membership through different windows. There are many different news stories, books, movies, meetings, political and economic partnerships, and artistic and cultural activities available to the French beside the anti-Turkey mind-set. In addition to members of the French socialists, some right-wing politicians are increasing in number against Sarkozy’s Turkey policy. Today there is a multi-voiced Turkey debate in France.

The city of Lille has been talking about Turkey via the "Istanbul TraversŽe" exhibition since mid-March. The number of visitors in seven weeks reached a record 65,000! Activities related to the "Season of Turkey" will be start in July and last until March 2010. In the meantime, Istanbul will be the European Capital of Culture. Remember, just because of the EP elections of early June, Sarkozy didn’t want the start of "Season of Turkey" at an earlier time. I wonder how he would inaugurate the season with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gül after his constant undue remarks against Turkey. But it is not impossible that he might suddenly become a friend of Turkey!