German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Rejects US Vice President’s Criticism on Hate Speech and the Far Right
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a strong rebuke on Saturday to US Vice President JD Vance’s attack on Europe’s stance toward hate speech and the far right, saying it was not right for others to tell Germany and Europe what to do.
Vance’s Criticism
Vance lambasted European leaders on Friday, the first day of the Munich Security Conference, accusing them of censoring free speech and criticising German mainstream parties’ "firewall" against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Scholz’s Response
"That is not appropriate, especially not among friends and allies. We firmly reject that," Scholz told the conference on Saturday, adding there were "good reasons" not to work with the AfD.
AfD and its Ideology
The anti-immigration party, currently polling at around 20% ahead of Germany’s Feb 23 national election, has a pariah status among other major German parties in a country with a taboo about ultranationalist politics because of its Nazi past.
Scholz’s Commitment to Democracy
"Never again fascism, never again racism, never again aggressive war. That is why an overwhelming majority in our country opposes anyone who glorifies or justifies criminal national socialism," Scholz said, referring to the ideology of Adolf Hitler’s 1933-45 Nazi regime.
Vance’s Meeting with AfD Leader
Vance met on Friday with the leader of AfD, after endorsing the party as a political partner – a stance Berlin dismissed as unwelcome election interference.
Scholz’s Defense of Democratic Institutions
Referring more broadly to Vance’s criticism of Europe’s curtailing of hate speech, which he has likened to censorship, Scholz said: "Today’s democracies in Germany and Europe are founded on the historic awareness and realisation that democracies can be destroyed by radical anti-democrats.
Ukraine and Security in Europe
The prospect of talks to end the Ukraine-Russia war had been expected to dominate the annual Munich conference after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week, but Vance barely mentioned Russia or Ukraine in his speech to the gathering on Friday.
Conclusion
In conclusion, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected US Vice President JD Vance’s criticism on Europe’s stance toward hate speech and the far right, emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic values and institutions. Scholz’s commitment to defending democracy and rejecting the ideology of the far right is unwavering, and his response to Vance’s criticism is a testament to the strength of Germany’s democratic institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the context of Vance’s criticism of Europe’s stance toward hate speech and the far right?
A: Vance criticized European leaders for censoring free speech and criticizing German mainstream parties’ "firewall" against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Q: How did Scholz respond to Vance’s criticism?
A: Scholz rejected Vance’s criticism, saying it was not right for others to tell Germany and Europe what to do, and emphasized the importance of protecting democratic values and institutions.
Q: What is the current polling percentage of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Germany’s Feb 23 national election?
A: The AfD is currently polling at around 20%.