Europe is a rotten continent, center of Nazism: President Erdoğan

Europe is no longer the center of democracy and human rights but it is one of Nazism and oppression, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, accusing European leaders of being surrounded by far-right politicians. 

"Europe has reached such a point. It's finished; wasted away. But it will pay for it dearly, very dearly. All [the values] they have been defending for centuries have collapsed. I am clear on this. In the eyes of billions of people, Europe today is no longer the center of democracy, human rights and freedoms but it is one of oppression, violence and Nazism," Erdoğan said at a rally in the western province of Balıkesir on April 6. 

He said Europe is a rotten continent. "Racist parties are twisting European leaders and governments around their fingers. Europe has nothing to tell us or the world." 

Relations between Turkey and some EU countries severely strained in recent months after Germany and the Netherlands banned Turkish ministers from meeting Turks living there ahead of the April 16 referendum.
 
Erdoğan criticized European countries for allowing rallies organized by supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) while prohibiting Turkish ministers from entering those countries.

CHP head repeats what Gülen whispers

Erdoğan also slammed Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu over the latter's accusation that the failed July 15, 2016, putsch attempt was allowed to occur by the government, saying Kılıçdaroğlu only followed what alleged coup leader Fethullah Gülen said.

"He is saying the president and PM are trying to cover up the July 15 coup attempt. Many people who are affiliated with the coup are in prison. Have you taken them to...