PM Erdogan calls on Turks in France to apply for dual citizenship, have more children

PM Erdogan calls on Turks in France to apply for dual citizenship, have more children. (Taz).

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Turkish citizens living in France to apply for dual citizenship and be integrated with the French society, but also stay loyal to their roots, especially their language and religion, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

"There are 620,000 Turkish citizens living in France," he said while addressing the Union of European Turkish Democrats, or UETD, in Lyon June 21. "Why don't they apply for dual citizenship?" he asked.

"You should use your legal rights. It is something you will benefit from, it has no harm. Who ever tells the opposite, does not willing a good thing for you," the prime minister said.
Police said there were about 500 protesters.

"His government is authoritarian. It scorns democracy by violently repressing peaceful demonstrations and minorities," said Mehmet Demirbaş, head of a local cultural centre for the Alevi community in Lyon.

The community, which follows a moderate form of Islam and accounts for 10-15 million of Turkey's 76 million citizens, has frequently clashed with Erdoğan's government.

Social integration was among the issues discussed by Erdoğan and French President Francois Hollande at a Paris meeting on June 20.

Erdogan advised Turks in France not to forget about their French citizenship. "Feel proud of your identity. Particularly do not forget or let forget your language and beliefs. France needs people like you," he said. "Do not become assimilated and let our kids* be assimilated."

Erdoğan requested from Turkish citizens in the country also go to the ballots to vote in Turkey's presidential elections on August 10.

The European Union needs Turkey in its struggle against Islamophobia and racism, the prime minister said.

Erdogan also retreated his call for families to pave at least three kids. "If you want five, that is OK also," he said.Hmmmm....We must grow our fifth column......*where did we hear this before?