German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Rebukes U.S. Vice President JD Vance Over Attack on Europe’s Stance on Hate Speech
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a sharp rebuke to U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Saturday, rejecting his criticism of Europe’s approach to hate speech and far-right politics. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Scholz emphasized that it was inappropriate for outsiders to dictate Germany and Europe’s policies.
Vance Criticizes Germany’s Stance on Free Speech and AfD
On Friday, Vance lashed out at European leaders, accusing them of suppressing free speech and condemning Germany’s political “firewall” against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). He argued that European restrictions on hate speech amounted to censorship, a position Scholz firmly rejected.
“That is not appropriate, especially not among friends and allies. We firmly reject that,” Scholz told conference attendees. He defended Germany’s decision to isolate the AfD, saying there were “good reasons” for mainstream parties to avoid working with the controversial group.
The anti-immigration AfD, currently polling at around 20% ahead of Germany’s February 23 national election, remains politically ostracized due to the country’s historical aversion to ultranationalist ideologies stemming from its Nazi past.
Scholz Defends Germany’s Democratic Protections
Scholz reinforced Germany’s commitment to preventing extremist politics from gaining traction.
“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,” he stated, referencing Adolf Hitler’s 1933-1945 regime.
The German leader also rejected Vance’s assertion that Europe’s measures against hate speech were anti-democratic.
“Today’s democracies in Germany and Europe are founded on the historic awareness and realization that democracies can be destroyed by radical anti-democrats,” Scholz explained. “That is why we have institutions that ensure our democracies can defend themselves against their enemies. These rules do not limit our freedom—they protect it.”
France Joins in Condemning Vance’s Remarks
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed Scholz’s stance, defending Europe’s approach to free speech.
“No one is required to adopt our model, but no one can impose theirs on us,” Barrot posted on X from Munich. “Freedom of speech is guaranteed in Europe.”
Vance’s Speech Overshadowed by Lack of Focus on Ukraine War
The Munich Security Conference was expected to center on diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine-Russia war, particularly after a phone call earlier in the week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. However, Vance largely avoided the topic, instead arguing that the biggest threat to Europe was not Russia or China, but a departure from what he called fundamental values—primarily free speech and immigration control.
Many attendees reacted to his remarks with silence, and his speech received little applause. When asked if he found anything in Vance’s speech worth reflecting on, Scholz drew laughter and applause with his dry response:
“You mean all these very relevant discussions about Ukraine and security in Europe?”
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