Chancellor Scholz Condemns Vance for Interference in German Elections

Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemns U.S. Vice President JD Vance for endorsing the far-right AfD party, asserting Germany’s autonomy in electoral matters. Vance’s claims during the Munich Security Conference about internal threats to democracy and subsequent meeting with AfD leadership were met with widespread criticism, reflecting tensions over foreign involvement in German politics.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reprimanded US Vice President JD Vance for his outspoken support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Scholz affirmed that Germany would not accept interference in its election processes from external parties, stating, “We will not accept outsiders interfering in our democracy, our elections, and democratic opinion formation process in favor of this party, especially not friends and allies.” He emphasized the importance of self-determination in the democratic future of Germany.

The comments were made during the Munich Security Conference, following Vance’s controversial address that sparked significant backlash. In his speech, Vance criticized European nations for failing to uphold shared democratic values and noted that the primary threats to Europe stem from internal issues rather than external forces like Russia or China. Additionally, he accused the European Union of limiting social media freedoms and contested the legitimacy of election outcomes in member states.

Significantly, Vance met with the AfD’s co-chair, Alice Weidel, following his speech, a move interpreted as tacit support for the party ahead of Germany’s parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23. This meeting raised eyebrows as Weidel was not invited to the conference, reflecting the organizers’ stance against the AfD’s anti-democratic positions. Vance’s remarks regarding the German government’s response to the AfD were met with widespread disapproval from attendees, who were taken aback by his allegations of a lacking democratic enforcement.

In conclusion, Chancellor Scholz firmly defends Germany’s democratic integrity against external influence, particularly from U.S. officials. Scholz’s public rebuke of Vice President Vance underscores the sensitivity surrounding the AfD party’s rise and highlights the necessity for nations to independently navigate their political landscapes without outside interference. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities in international relations, especially concerning domestic electoral processes.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr