The Munich Security Conference, a key gathering for global defense and security officials, became the stage for U.S. Vice President JD Vance's critical remarks on European democracy. Vance addressed the conference, expressing concern over internal threats to Europe, rather than external forces like Russia or China. His comments sparked controversy and a strong response from German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Vance criticized European leaders for their handling of democratic health, migration policies, and freedom of speech. He argued that free speech is under threat in Britain and across Europe. Highlighting internal issues, Vance questioned the annulment of a December presidential vote in Romania after a pro-Russian ultranationalist candidate's unexpected victory. He pointed to Brexit as an expression of the people's will and critiqued Sweden and Germany's reactions to politically sensitive domestic matters.
"There is no security if you're afraid of the voices, the opinions and the conscience that guide your very own people," Vance said. "If you're running in fear of your own voters, there's nothing the U.S. can do for you."
Vance warned that European leaders' fear of their own voters posed a significant threat. He emphasized his concern over Europe's retreat from fundamental values shared with the United States.
"The threat that I worry the most about vis a vis Europe is not Russia, it's not China, it's… the threat from within," he stated.
His remarks redirected the conference's intended focus on European security to a broader dialogue on internal democracy issues.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius rebuffed Vance's statements, labeling them "unacceptable." He expressed surprise and disappointment at Vance's unexpected criticisms during the conference.
"It was supposed to be about security in Europe. But I cannot start in the way I originally intended," Pistorius remarked.
He further elaborated,
"This democracy was called into question by the U.S. vice president," he continued. "He speaks of the annulment of democracy and, if I understood him correctly, he compares conditions in parts of Europe with those in authoritarian governments."
Amidst the debates stirred by Vance's comments, tragedy struck Munich when a car rammed into a crowd on Thursday, injuring at least 36 individuals. Officials identified the attacker as a 24-year-old failed Afghan asylum seeker, declaring it a terrorist act. This incident further highlighted Europe's internal security challenges.
Vance's critique also targeted European migration policies, noting that electorates across Europe increasingly support candidates promising to curb uncontrolled migration.
"More and more, all over Europe, they are voting for people who promise to put to an end to uncontrolled migration," Vance observed.