German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on February 15 strongly criticized the far-right and said that Germany would not accept outside interference in its elections.
The move comes a day after US Vice President JD Vance criticized European leaders for their approach to democracy, according to DW.
"Germany is a very strong democracy, we are clear that the far right should not participate in politics and political decisions, and there will be no cooperation with them. We are against any idea of cooperation between parties, other parties and these far-right parties," German Chancellor Scholz said at the Munich Security Conference (Germany).
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, February 15, 2025.
Earlier, the US vice president told the Munich Security Conference on February 14 that he was concerned about the “decline in freedom of speech” across Europe. Mr. Vance also stated that mainstream parties in the European Union (EU) “are somewhat afraid of their own people.” He criticized efforts to somehow dismiss dissent as the result of “misinformation.”
“If your democratic society can be brought down by $200,000 in social media advertising, then you should think seriously about how much you hold or understand the will of the people,” Mr Vance argued, warning that Europe risks losing public support if it does not change course quickly.
In response, Mr Scholz asserted that: "Freedom of speech in Europe means that you do not attack other people in a way that violates the laws and regulations of the country." Mr Scholz also alluded to regulations in Germany that restrict hate speech.
German Chancellor Scholz stressed that defending democracy against fascism and totalitarianism is the foundation of the transatlantic relationship and called for this principle to be maintained.
On February 15, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also criticized US Vice President Vance's "unacceptable" statements about European democracy.
The developments come as European leaders scramble to get a seat at the peace negotiating table, while also facing tariff pressure from the Trump administration.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thu-tuong-duc-phan-phao-my-tai-hoi-nghi-an-ninh-munich-185250215162206276.htm
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