German Chancellor Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius have called American Vice President JD Vance’s comments on European democracy “unacceptable.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Vice President JD Vance’s comments at the Munich Security Conference regarding the lack of democracy and freedom of speech in Europe. Vance also stated that mass immigration is an issue overlooked by all European countries.
“I strongly oppose what Vice President of the United States Vance said at the Munich Security Conference,” Scholz posted on platform X. “From the experience of National Socialism, democratic parties in Germany have a shared consensus: this is the boundary against far-right extremist parties.”
Pistorius: JD Vance’s Comments “Unacceptable”
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also strongly criticized JD Vance, who accused European governments of ignoring voter concerns about immigration and suppressing freedom of speech.
“The U.S. Vice President questioned democracy for all of Europe,” Pistorius said at the Munich Security Conference. “He speaks of the destruction of democracy. And if I understood correctly, he is comparing conditions in some parts of Europe to those in authoritarian regions… this is unacceptable.”
Distorted Perception of Democracy
Given that the far-right AfD party is ranked second in polls ahead of the upcoming German parliamentary elections, Pistorius sarcastically commented on Vance’s view that freedom of speech is being suppressed.
“Democracy means that extremist parties like AfD can campaign just like any other party,” Pistorius said.
“However, democracy does not mean that a minority shouting louder automatically has the right and determines the truth,” said the German Minister of Defense.
Pistorius accused Vance of having a distorted perception of democracy. /DW
