US Vice President J.D. Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference focused on a surprising issue: the perceived 'enemy within' in Europe. He argued that the suppression of free speech, particularly regarding abortion and migration, posed a greater threat than external aggression. Vance's comments drew criticism for their perceived endorsement of far-right political parties, including Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), known for its controversial views and historical ties to Nazism.
US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a controversial address at the Munich Security Conference , startling attendees with his assertion that the greatest threat to Europe wasn't military aggression from Russia or China, but rather what he termed 'the enemy within' – the suppression of abortion protests and other forms of free speech by European governments.
Vance's speech, far from focusing on the Trump administration's plans for Ukraine or European defense against Russia, boldly suggested a new transatlantic relationship based on alliances with once-fringe political parties sharing a common stance on migration, identity, and internet speech. He singled out Germany, facing a new chancellor election, urging them to abandon their reservations about collaborating with a party notorious for using banned Nazi slogans and previously excluded from government. While he didn't mention the Alternative for Germany (AfD) by name, his comments directly targeted their long-standing exclusion by mainstream German politicians, who classify parts of the AfD as extremist. Vance's unprecedented intervention in German domestic politics drew gasps from the audience. He defended the AfD and similar parties across Europe as legitimate channels for voter frustration regarding the influx of millions of refugees into the EU over the last decade, ignoring the AfD's history of using Nazi language, antisemitic and racist comments, and its surge in popularity fueled by its hardline stance on immigration. Vance even met with AfD leader Alice Weidel, a chancellor candidate, and other party leaders outside the conference. German officials across the political spectrum denounced Vance's speech, vehemently rejecting his call to normalize engagement with the AfD. They highlighted the party's past support for National Socialism and condemned Vance's comparison of parts of Europe to authoritarian regimes. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius publicly rebuked Vance, emphasizing that this was not the Europe or the democracy he knew
US Vice President J.D. Vance Munich Security Conference European Politics Free Speech Abortion Immigration Alternative For Germany (Afd) Far-Right Transatlantic Relations
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
JD Vance stuns Munich conference with blistering attack on Europe’s leadersUS vice-president questions whether European values are worth defending as he rails against ‘threat from within’
Read more »
US Vice President J.D. Vance Stuns Munich Security Conference with Call to Work with Far-Right PartiesVice President J.D. Vance delivered a controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference, arguing that the biggest security threat to Europe was not from Russia or China but from their own suppression of free speech and the sidelining of extremist parties. He urged European leaders to engage with far-right groups, singling out Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a legitimate voice of voter anger over immigration. Vance's remarks drew sharp criticism from German officials who condemned his call as dangerous and unacceptable.
Read more »
US Vice President Vance Sparks Outrage at Munich Security Conference With Attack on 'Enemy Within' in EuropeIn a shocking departure from expected topics, US Vice President J.D. Vance identifies the biggest threat to Europe as its own suppression of free speech and marginalization of extremist parties, urging Germany to work with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Read more »
Trump Doesn't See Vance as Successor, But Praises His 'Fiery' StyleFormer President Donald Trump declined to endorse Vice President J.D. Vance as his potential successor in 2028, stating it was 'too early' to consider. Despite this, Trump praised Vance's capabilities and described him as a 'feisty' individual who effectively navigates challenging situations. While Vance is seen as a natural successor in Republican circles, Trump's reluctance to endorse him allows him to maintain influence without directly engaging in party politics.
Read more »
Philippine lawmakers impeach Vice-President Sara Duterte over 'assassination plot'Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has been impeached by lawmakers after a vote in the House of Representatives, paving the way for a Senate trial that could see her removed from office.
Read more »
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte ImpeachedPhilippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has been impeached by the House of Representatives over allegations including plotting to assassinate the president. The move deepens the political rift between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Read more »