Bordes, Cauquil and Laguiller (GUE/NGL), in writing. – (FR) We voted against Amendment No 7, the author of which – with his outdated and chauvinistic ideas – would like to slam the EU’s door shut to Turkey.

The fact that he hides his stance behind a proposal for a referendum – in which every EU citizen would be asked to voice their opinion on the matter – does not justify that stance. Does he propose referendums on questions that really matter to the public, such as the redirection of State arms budgets to schools, hospitals and public transport in the EU?

We are not, of course, opposed to Turkey’s accession to the EU. We are, however, opposed to all those who cite religious or ideological reasons for refusing to lower a border on a continent that is already all too divided.

Nevertheless, we do not accept the reasons why the European ruling classes would like Turkey to be integrated into the framework of the EU, nor do we accept the clean bill of health given to the Turkish Government, especially when basic rights and freedoms are being trampled under foot in Turkey, such as the Kurdish people’s right to enjoy such rights and freedoms, and when political prisoners are still detained. We also do not understand why backing should be given to the conditions imposed by the European institutions on Turkey, for which the leaders of the country will undoubtedly make the working classes foot the bill.

We have therefore abstained from voting on this report.