“Erdogan’s growing influence is the result of our weaknesses and our cowardice.”

Frank Papazyan is a member of the coordinating council of Armenian associations in France. He just posted Erdogan’s regime. A threat to France (ed. Versilio/Robert Laffont, 144 p., €18).

LE FIGARO. – In your book, you explain that in order to create an increasingly nationalistic and expansionist Turkey, Erdogan is increasing his network of influence through the diaspora, which is highly devoted to his cause. How to explain the Islamic conservatism of the Turkish diaspora when other countries are often seen as more “progressive”?

Frank PAPAZIAN. – Because for 20 years Erdogan has been instrumentalizing the Turks in Europe. It gives them the means to develop their associations, financing their development around radical Islam. Erdogan gave them a mission: every Turk should become the ambassador of Turkey in France and Europe. He takes care of his diaspora, finances it, maintains complicity relations with it. He organizes it around…