Erdoğan insults of Macron 'unacceptable,' 'a new low point,' say European politicians

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European politicians have slammed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over his remarks suggesting that French President Emmanuel Macron needed a “mental health check” over his rhetoric on Islam and Muslims.

Erdoğan calls on Turks to boycott French goods following war of words with Macron

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have described Erdoğan's statements against Macron as “unacceptable,” with Maas further saying that they mark a “new low point” for Ankara.

"We also stand in solidarity with France, also in relation to the personal attacks of President Erdogan against President Macron. I think these are a new low point, and they are completely unacceptable," Maas told reporters during a press conference on Oct. 26.

Maas also said that the German government was standing in solidarity with its European neighbor in the "fight against Islamist extremism."

As for Rutte, he tweeted that Erdoğan's words addressing President Emmanuel Macron are "unacceptable" and the Netherlands stands firmly with France and the collective values of the European Union.

President Erdogan’s words addressing President @EmmanuelMacron are unacceptable. The Netherlands stands firmly with France and for the collective values of the European Union. For the freedom of speech and against extremism and radicalism.

— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) October 26, 2020

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has similarly expressed his support for Macron, saying that Erdoğan's words fuel "religious hatred and undermines peaceful coexistence."

Personal insults against President Macron and hate speech targeting France by the Turkish leadership is unacceptable, fuels religious hatred and undermines peaceful coexistence. Full support and solidarity to @EmmanuelMacron and the French people, still mourning a heinous crime.

— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) October 25, 2020

Erdoğan said on Oct. 24 Macron had a problem with Muslims and needed checks on his mental health – a rebuke that caused France to recall its ambassador from Ankara.

“What is the problem of this person called Macron with Muslims and Islam? Macron needs treatment on a mental level,” Erdoğan said in a speech in the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri.

Erdoğan made similar comments the next day and again on Oct. 26.

Macron has pledged to fight “Islamist separatism,” saying it was threatening to take over some Muslim communities in France. The country has since been shaken by the beheading of a teacher by an Islamist militant, avenging the use of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression.

France recalls envoy after Turkey scolds Macron over Muslims