Vice President JD Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference has caused a major stir in Germany. Vance challenged the longstanding German policy of isolating the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, arguing that it hinders freedom of speech and cooperation. His comments drew sharp criticism from German leaders who condemned his remarks as aligning with authoritarian regimes and minimizing the AfD's history of extremist rhetoric and violence.
JD Vance's comments mark an extraordinary embrace of a once-fringe political movement with which the Trump administration shares a common approach on migration, identity and internet speech.
The vice-president offered what may be a preview under Mr Trump of a redefinition of a transatlantic relationship built on postwar bonds of stability between allied governments. “I heard his speech, and he talked about freedom of speech,” he said. “And I think it’s true in Europe; it’s losing. They’re losing their wonderful right of freedom of speech. I see it. I mean, I thought he made a very good speech, actually, a very brilliant speech.”
The AfD and its members have a history of use of Nazi language and anti-Semitic and racist comments, along with plots to overthrow the federal government. The party has surged to second in the polls with its call to crack down on, where a group of rival parties engaged in strategic voting last summer to deny the hard-right National Rally a parliamentary majority.
“If you are running in fear of your own voters,” Mr Vance said, “there is nothing America can do for you.”
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