At the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance for what he deemed as inappropriate interference in Germany’s upcoming elections. Scholz accused Vance of backing a political party that has minimized the crimes of the Nazi regime, an act he described as incompatible with Germany’s historical commitment to preventing the resurgence of fascism.
During a speech on Saturday, Scholz rebuked Vance’s call for Germany to abandon its political “firewall” and allow the hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party into its federal government. The chancellor argued that such a stance contradicts Germany’s pledge of “never again” regarding extremist rule.
“A commitment to ‘never again’ cannot be reconciled with support for the AfD,” Scholz stated in his address, emphasizing Germany’s unwillingness to accept foreign influence over its democratic choices.
Scholz also accused the AfD of downplaying Nazi atrocities, including those committed at Dachau, a concentration camp Vance visited the day before. The chancellor made it clear that Germany would not tolerate external pressure to collaborate with such a party. “That is not done, certainly not among friends and allies,” Scholz asserted. “Our democracy is for us to shape.”
Conference Reactions
Vance’s remarks, which were expected to focus on the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine and NATO, instead sparked widespread backlash. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used his speech to highlight the ongoing war with Russia, urging European nations to strengthen their security efforts, including the formation of a European defense force. His remarks were met with standing ovations, a stark contrast to the reception of Vance’s speech the previous day.
Scholz’s comments reflected growing European concerns over their relationship with the United States. His remarks came amid an urgent effort by European leaders to respond to the Trump administration’s shifting Ukraine policy and its potential exclusion of European allies from diplomatic negotiations.
In the days leading up to Vance’s controversial statements, Trump threatened new tariffs on global trade partners and signaled an intent to negotiate a peace deal with Russia directly, without European input. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly convened an emergency meeting of European leaders to discuss Ukraine’s security.
Political Divisions and Free Speech Debate
Far-right parties across Europe, including Germany’s AfD and France’s National Rally, have gained traction by capitalizing on public unease over immigration. Vance’s remarks suggested an evolving transatlantic dynamic, favoring alliances with nationalist movements rather than official European leadership.
Scholz’s critique of Vance was echoed by Friedrich Merz, the opposition Christian Democratic Union’s candidate for chancellor and a leading contender in Germany’s upcoming election. Merz defended Germany’s strict laws against hate speech, rejecting Vance’s accusations that Europe imposed Soviet-style restrictions on free expression.
“We adhere to the principles of democracy,” Merz stated. “Free speech remains a fundamental right, but hate speech and incitement are subject to legal scrutiny, as determined by independent courts.”
Merz also took aim at the Trump administration’s media policies, criticizing the recent exclusion of The Associated Press from White House press briefings after the agency refused to adopt Trump’s directive to rename the Gulf of Mexico. “We would never expel journalists from our chancellor’s press room,” Merz remarked pointedly.
Additionally, he condemned Trump’s tariff plans, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to free trade. “We believe in reducing trade barriers, not escalating conflicts,” he said.
AfD’s Controversial Position
Scholz’s denunciation of Vance’s stance came amid heightened political tensions in Germany, where the AfD is currently polling second in the election race. The party’s chancellor candidate, Alice Weidel, met with Vance in Munich on Friday, further fueling the controversy.
Despite its electoral success, the AfD remains ostracized by mainstream parties due to its extremist factions, some of which have been classified as security threats by German intelligence. Certain AfD members have been convicted of using Nazi slogans, while others have been implicated in anti-government plots. No other party has been willing to form a governing coalition with them, a political isolation policy known as the “firewall.”
Vance challenged this norm, advocating for greater acceptance of right-wing nationalist parties across Europe. “There is no room for firewalls,” he declared, arguing that migration concerns should take precedence over historical sensitivities.
Scholz dismissed Vance’s argument, particularly his claims that restrictions on free speech posed a greater danger to Europe than external threats. In a post-speech discussion, when asked whether Vance had raised any valuable points, Scholz responded wryly, “You mean discussions about Ukraine and European security?” His remark drew laughter from the audience.
He then reaffirmed Germany’s legal stance on free speech, stating, “Freedom of expression means adhering to the laws of our democracy. Hate and incitement have no place in public discourse.”
Zelensky’s Call for European Unity
Meanwhile, Zelensky used the conference to emphasize the urgent need for European self-reliance in security matters. He warned of Russia’s planned military exercises in Belarus, hinting at a possible renewed offensive.
“Europe must unite and assert itself so that no one can dictate terms to it or treat it as a bystander,” Zelensky declared.
The Ukrainian leader also addressed Trump’s proposal to extract mineral resources from Ukraine in exchange for military aid. “We are still in talks,” he confirmed, while calling for a meeting with Trump before any discussions between the U.S. and Russian leaders.
As geopolitical tensions mount, Scholz’s confrontation with Vance highlights the widening transatlantic divide over democracy, security, and the future of European governance.