Turkey’s President Says No Support for Sweden’s NATO Bid

Turkey’s President Says No Support for Sweden’s NATO Bid
Turkish President and leader of the Justice and Development (AK) Party Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) delivers a speech during his party's group meeting at Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) in Ankara, Turkey, on Dec. 21, 2022. Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images
The Associated Press
Updated:

ISTANBUL—Turkey’s president cast serious doubt on NATO’s expansion Monday after warning Sweden not to expect support for its bid for membership into the military alliance following weekend protests in Stockholm by an anti-Islam activist and pro-Kurdish groups.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Rasmus Paludan’s Quran-burning protest on Saturday, saying it was an insult to everyone, especially to Muslims. He was particularly incensed at Swedish authorities for allowing the demonstration to take place outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm under “the protection” of security forces.