‘I felt hurt’: EU’s von der Leyen blames sexism for ‘sofagate’
Al Jazeera
European Commission President says diplomatic gaffe shows need for Turkey and EU member states to tackle sexism.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that a glaring diplomatic gaffe during a meeting with Turkey’s president made her felt hurt and alone, and claimed that she was treated poorly simply because she is a woman. The scandal known as “sofagate” took place on April 6, when von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara for talks aimed at easing relations between the European Union and Turkey. But only two chairs were set out in front of the EU and Turkish flags for the three leaders.More Related News