German minister slams Erdogan's 'interference' in Germany's vote

BERLIN - 18 August 2017: German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel hit out Friday against "interference" by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Germany's elections, after the Turkish leader urged Turks living abroad not to vote for parties of the ruling coalition, Deutsche Welle reported.

"That is an unprecedented act of interference in the sovereignty of our country," Gabriel told the RedaktionsNetzwerk media group.

"Erdogan's interference in Germany's electoral campaign shows that he wants to incite people in Germany against each other," he said.

Gabriel urged Germans to push back by turning up in strength at the polls and voting for parties that champion democracy.

"Let's show those who want to play us against each other that we will not participate in this evil game," he said.