German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his country’s stance against the far-right, stating that Germany will not accept those who intervene in their democracy. This comes after US Vice-President JD Vance criticized European leaders for their treatment of democracy, expressing concern over free speech being in “retreat” across the continent.
Scholz emphasized that in a strong democracy like Germany, extreme right parties should not have political control or decision-making power. He rejected any cooperation with these parties and stressed the importance of upholding laws that restrict hate speech.
Vance’s confrontational speech at the Munich Security Conference sparked controversy, with some labeling him an extremist for his comments on UK abortion clinic safe zones and accusations of censorship in Europe. Germany’s conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz and other political rivals also condemned Vance’s attack on Europe’s approach to hate speech and the far-right.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, called for the creation of a European army and emphasized the need for support in the face of Russia’s aggression. He also expressed that no decisions regarding ending the war should be made without involving Ukraine and Europe. The Munich Security Conference saw various leaders and officials addressing global tensions, with discussions focusing on important issues like democracy, security, and free speech.
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