Germany - Turkey Relations: Turkey's Erdogan makes Nazi jibe over Germany rally ban

Recep Tayip Erdogan

Turkey's president has compared German officials to Nazis, in the latest escalation in a war of words.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out after German authorities cancelled rallies designed to woo ethnic Turkish voters in Germany ahead of a key referendum.

"Your practices are not different from the Nazi practices of the past," Mr Erdogan said.

German Justice Minister Heiko Maas said the comments were "absurd, disgraceful and outlandish".

About 1.4m Turks in Germany can vote in the April referendum, which could give Mr Erdogan sweeping new powers.

Voters will be asked whether they back a new constitution, which would transform the country from a parliamentary republic into a presidential one.

That would give Mr Erdogan, as president, new powers over the budget and the appointment of ministers and judges, as well as the power to dismiss parliament.

Note EU-Digest: Look who is calling the kettle black - Take note President Erdogan - Europe says with one voice NO NO NO to your intimidation and accusations and.hopes Turkey's population will do the same.during the upcoming referendum by also saying No, No, No.. 

This is.not about Islam or any religion but in favor of democracy and against out of.control politicians like Erdogan, Le Pen. Wilders and.others.

Read more: Turkey's Erdogan makes Nazi jibe over Germany rally ban - BBC News