Scholz rejects statements by Vance

Berlin/Munich (d.de/dpa) – Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticised statements made by US Vice President J. D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference (MSC). In a speech, Vance accused European allies of suppressing freedom of expression, also warning that democracy was being jeopardised. “There is no room for ‘firewalls’,” Vance said.  

On X, Federal Chancellor Scholz expressly dismissed Vance’s words: “The legacy of National Socialism has united Germany’s democratic parties around a common principle, namely to ensure solid line of defence against far-right extremism.”  

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius also rejected Vance’s remarks. “If I understood him correctly, he is comparing conditions in parts of Europe with those under authoritarian regimes,” said Pistorius, adding that this was not acceptable and did not reflect the Europe and the democracy in which he lived and in which he was campaigning. This was a democracy in which every opinion was heard, said the Defence Minister, even allowing parties with extremist tendencies such as the AfD to campaign as normal. “Just like any other party. That is democracy,” said Pistorius.

Shortly before the speech by the US Vice President, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier criticised the US government. “The new American administration has a world view that is different to ours. It is a view that does not build on established rules, established partnerships or trust,” he said in his opening speech, also cautioning that this meant it would be a key concern in the coming years to foster the notion of an international community.  

Since yesterday, global leaders and diplomats have been gathering at the Munich Security Conference to set the tone for future policy. Day two starts with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressing Germany’s place on the global stage, followed directly by remarks from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.