Can a Turkish ‘Green Party’ form part of a future government?

The way we work has changed dramatically from the 1750s via the 1850s until today -- whether working from home or sitting in front of a desktop in the office. However, many of us continue to work in production and manufacturing, and in most countries that still accounts for the majority of employment regardless of our intent to create a knowledge-based society. Many others are engaged in agriculture in spite of both the technological revolution and the advent of the knowledge-based economy. So even here change has happened, but not in its entirety and for sure not overnight. It underlines my initial statement from a different angle, being that in the workplace, too, implementing change is a bit like politics -- mastering the art of the possible.

Although many members of present day (European-based) green parties in various countries want us to believe differently, their actual origins are not to be found in the lofty circles of an academic left, but are based in a much more modest, down-to-earth agrarian way of life. For example, the beginning of the West German Green Party (GP) can be credited to a wealthy local farmer's approach towards changing the way national politics were being carried out. He wrote a book, got published and, as they say, the rest is history. Organic food was expensive, members of the GP had nice houses and they drove expensive cars, too. It was a cliché: They happily positioned themselves as "anti-establishment," but in a nutshell, they were extremely well established themselves. The maximum revolt against the establishment was to wear training shoes when being sworn in as a junior minister -- which is what Joschka Fischer did at the time in a regional German parliament. Shortly thereafter he was spotted speeding in his chauffeur-driven ministerial car -- so much for the anti-establishment approach.

Since then the Greens have come a long way indeed -- and Herr Fischer in particular: respected politicians, foreign ministers and all the benefits of celebrity status -- you name it. Now there is a new star on the political horizon and he indeed promises change: Cem Özdemir was elected joint chairperson of the GP. Congratulations!

Besides the much-deserved publicity, it shows to us many other important things. First, the elevation into high office of someone who has a foreign name and a foreign background (at least by family history), although having been born in that particular country is still newsworthy. Is this not surprising in the Europe of the 21st century as there should be no more "foreign," no "other"? Belgium should have 50 "foreign" lawmakers and so should Spain. Names do not matter. Were your parents French, German, British or Turkish? Is it of anyone's concern? Well, apparently it still is. Second, Özdemir was elected into high office for the GP but not for the ruling Christian Democratic Party (CDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). That would be another success story. Third, there is a potential connection to future Turkish politics. Let me elaborate.

Imagine a citizen of another European country naturalizes herself or himself like a famous football star once did in his profession and this person runs for a seat in the Turkish Parliament. Picture this: She or he wins. From day one this deputy would be seen as a representative of her or his "ethnic" or "foreign" or "European" background, much less so than as what he or she is: an elected member representing all Turkish citizens. But change comes gradually -- it could be a good start.

Now what I am hinting at is the following: I am very happy that Özdemir got elected and do of course wish him all success. Let him become a role model for other political parties in Germany and Europe. Let Turkish politicians discuss whether only present day "minorities" deserve to be heard in Parliament or whether one day parties and constituencies will become much more international and cosmopolitan. The good point is that come full EU membership, any EU citizen can vote for the EU Parliament while living in another EU country, as well as run for local elections without being a citizen of that particular country. This will change a lot -- or will it? We must take a look at how many "imported" candidates got elected in any other given local or European election. The number is still negligible.