REPORT: Dutch PM Rutte says Erdogan's Nazi remarks are “crazy”

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Saturday Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's remark comparing the Dutch to the Nazis was “crazy.”
 
Erdogan denounced the Netherlands as “Nazi remnants, fascists” after the Dutch government barred Turkey's foreign minister from landing in Rotterdam, in a row over Ankara's political campaigning among Turkish emigres.

“It's a crazy remark of course” Rutte told journalists during campaigning for March 15 elections. “I understand they are angry but this is, of course, way out (of line).”

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had planned to fly to Rotterdam to rally support among emigres for sweeping new powers Erdogan seeks.

Cavusoglu earlier threatened harsh economic and political sanctions if the Dutch refused him entry, a threat that proved decisive for the Netherlands government.

It cited public order and security concerns in withdrawing landing rights for Cavusoglu's flight. Rutte said the sanctions threat made the search for a reasonable solution impossible.
 
“This morning on TV (the Turkish minister) made clear he was threatening the Netherlands with sanctions and we can never negotiate with the Turks under such threats. So we decided...in a conference call it was better for him not to come.”

Dutch anti-Muslim politician Geert Wilders, polling second ahead of the elections, said in a tweet on Saturday: “To all Turks in the Netherlands who agree with Erdogan: Go to Turkey and NEVER come back!!”