German Chancellor hits back at US at Munich Security Conference

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on February 15 strongly criticized the far-right and said that Germany will 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 oppose 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 said at 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 dismiss dissent as somehow the result of "disinformation."

“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 quickly change course.

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 above series of developments took place in the context of European leaders trying to compete for a seat at the peace negotiating table, as well as facing a lot of tariff pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thu-tuong-duc-phan-phao-my-tai-hoi-nghi-an-ninh-munich-185250215162206276.htm