Following the killing of French teacher Samuel Paty, tensions between Turkey and France have escalated. President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on Muslim countries to ban all French products, after President of France Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech at Paty’s memorial, defending the freedom of speech and emphasizing the core French values of freedom, equality and brotherhood. President Erdoğan stated on live television that President Macron needs “mental checkups”.

ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen stands by President Macron in his fight against terrorism and for liberal values and supports Macron defending our shared secular and democratic values. Van Baalen condemns the unacceptable actions by Erdoğan.

All support for French President Emmanuel Macron to fight islamist terrorists in order to defend freedom. Turkish President #Erdogan ‘s insults are unacceptable. EU should support France! @EmmanuelMacron 🇪🇺🇫🇷 https://t.co/O2FcvaIQ7X

— Hans van Baalen (@hansvanbaalen) October 26, 2020