“That Turkey did not give Von der Leyen a seat next to President Erdogan and EU Council President Charles Michel was an insult by Turkey,” Beaune said on French television. “Turkey has behaved badly. It is a Turkish problem that has been deliberately done against us. We must not stir up feelings of guilt among Europeans, ”he added.
The fact that von der Leyen was dismissed led to accusations from European capitals against Turkey, but also to anger in Brussels. Turkey defends itself by pointing out the confusion that arises when there are two European leaders whose responsibilities are unclear.
During the visit, von der Leyen was fobbed off with a seat on the bench opposite Erdogan’s foreign minister, far from Erdogan and Michel. The visibly displeased committee chairman asked in vain for attention. Michel, the chairman of the council of EU government leaders was silent and many blamed him for that. The affair has now been referred to as sofagate.
Michel stated Saturday out of shame that he was sleeping badly. “I make no secret that I have not been able to sleep well since that moment, because the images continue to play in my head,” said Michel. He added that if he could turn back time and undo it, he would.
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