Scholz gets angry with JD Vance: ‘We will not accept outside interference in our democracy’

The German Chancellor responds to the US Vice President’s statements on European domestic policy and defends Germany’s democratic institutions

During the Munich Security Conference, Olaf Scholz responded to recent statements by JD Vance, Vice President of the United States, who had suggested the EU should fear internal attacks on freedom more than external threats and stop isolating far-right parties from governments. Scholz called interference in domestic politics by those who look at Germany from outside unacceptable, especially on issues related to its democratic institutions, elections, and the formation of public opinion.

In particular, the German Chancellor emphasised that modern democracies are built on a ‘historical awareness’ that prevents radical anti-democrats from destroying the system. ‘We have institutions to protect us from the enemies of democracy and to safeguard freedom,’ he said, reiterating Germany’s determination to defend itself against any form of revisionism, such as that promoted by parties like the AfD.

Regarding the relationship between Germany and the AfD, Scholz said that the far-right party had trivialised National Socialist crimes, referring in particular to the Dachau concentration camp. He went on to point out that the overwhelming majority of Germans strongly oppose the glorification of such crimes.

In addition, the chancellor addressed the topic of European security and the need to find resources to support Ukraine in the long term. Scholz reiterated the importance of reforming the debt brake to exempt security and defence, warning that Germany is preparing to spend significantly more on defence to ensure Europe’s security and respond to Russian threats. ‘Reaching the two per cent target for defence spending will require about EUR 30 billion additional per year,’ he said, pointing out that any percentage more would entail additional costs.

Finally, he concluded that any investment above 2 per cent in defence would have to be exempted from European debt rules, with a view to preserving fiscal stability, as confirmed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

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