Von der Leyen vs. Erdogan for Sofagate: Would that happen if I wore a suit and tie?

It erupted against the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen speaking to the European Parliament on Pause, the incident that marked her visit to Turkey when she was “exiled” on a remote couch away from Charles Michel and the Turkish president.

“I am the first woman president of the Commission. I am the President of the Commission and in this way I expected to be treated during my visit to Turkey. Like the President of the Commission, but no. There is no excuse for the way I was treated. So I have to conclude that it happened because I am a woman. Would that happen if I wore a suit and tie? ” he said characteristically.

“Many of you will have similar experiences in the past. Especially women, members of this House, I’m sure they know exactly how I felt. I felt hurt and alone, as a woman and as a European. Because it is not a seating or protocol. This has to do with the core of who we are. With the values ​​of our Union. And that shows how far we still have to go before women are treated as equals. Always and everywhere”.

He went on to say: “Of course, I know I am in a privileged position. I am the president of an institution that is highly respected around the world. And, most importantly, as a leader, I can speak and be heard. But what about the millions of women who can’t? Women, who are attacked every day in every corner of our planet, but neither have the power nor the authority to speak?».

He added that “when I arrived at the meeting, there were cameras in the room. Thanks to them, the short video of my arrival immediately went viral and caused headlines around the world. There was no need for subtitles. There was no need for translations. The images spoke for themselves. “

“But we all know: Thousands of such incidents, most of which are much more serious, go unnoticed. No one ever sees or hears them. Because there is no camera. Because no one cares. We must ensure that these stories are told! ” completed.

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