March 1, 2004: German chancellor Gerhard Schröder's visit to Turkey last week brought criticism from within his own Social Democratic Party (SPD). As was expected, Schröder commented positively in his talks with Turkish leaders about the possibility of Turkey joining the European Union (EU) and assured Turkish leaders that Germany will support Turkey's bid for membership.

Schröder's trip to Ankara took place one week after a similar visit by Angela Merkel, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Instead of EU membership, Merkel offered Turkish prime minister Erdogan a "privileged partnership" with the EU. In comments before his departure to Ankara, Schröder referred to Merkel's proposal as a "populist" tactic.

It did not take long for the CDU to voice its criticism of Schröder's position. Friedbert Pflüger, foreign policy expert for the CDU, accused Schröder of having "raised high expectations irresponsibly." The chairman of the "Free Democratic Party" ["FDP"], Guido Westerwelle, reacted to Schröder's visit by referring to Turkey's human rights record, saying that the country "does not meet the requirements for admission at this time." Westerwelle also questioned whether the EU was ready for Turkey.

More surprising, however, were the negative comments from Schröder's party colleague Peter Glotz, the former SPD business manager. In an interview with German CNN affiliate n-tv Glotz said that Turkish EU membership is "is incapable of being paid for and not reasonable for a unified Europe. I am convinced that this is not the way to go." Glotz praised the alternative offered by Angela Merkel by saying that she had found the right words to describe a successful relationship for Turkey and the European Union: a "privileged partnership."

In remarks made later to the magazine "Stern", Glotz explained his concerns about the possibility of Turkish membership: "Turkey isn't just Lithuania but would be the largest country in the EU with internal divisions and all kinds of problems. If the EU admits Turkey as a member, then the EU will become just a free trade zone with occasional cooperation on the political level."

Former chancellor Helmut Schmidt of the SPD has also voiced concerns that the European Union would become little more than a free trade zone should Turkey should become a member. Schmidt is widely recognized for his expertise in the area of governmental finance and economics.