US Vice-President JD Vance delivered a controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference, accusing European leaders of suppressing free speech and failing to address illegal migration. Vance argued that Europe's internal retreat from its fundamental values posed a greater threat than external actors such as Russia or China. His address drew mixed reactions, with praise from Russian media and condemnation from European officials.
Vance, addressing the conference attendees, criticized several European countries for actions he claimed were evidence of a retreat from democratic values. He highlighted Romania's cancellation of presidential elections, Sweden's arrest of a man for burning a Qur'an in public, and Britain's arrest of a man praying near an abortion clinic as examples of suppressed free speech.
“If you are afraid of the voices, the opinions and the conscience that guide your very own people … If you’re running in fear of your own voters, there is nothing America can do for you, nor for that matter is there anything you can do for the American people.” – JD Vance
He further argued that political leaders should listen to important constituencies, regardless of agreement with their views.
“We do not have to agree with everything or anything people say, but when political leaders represent an important constituency it is incumbent on us to listen.” – JD Vance
In his speech, Vance challenged the notion of maintaining a divide between mainstream and populist parties, suggesting that such barriers are unnecessary. He claimed that Europe and the new American administration, under Donald Trump, hold significantly different worldviews. Vance questioned the shared agenda between the US and Europe, emphasizing his belief that internal threats are more pressing than external ones.
“What I worry about is the threat from within,” – JD Vance
The speech resonated with Russian state television, where correspondent Asya Emelyanova expressed approval.
“It was very nice to hear Vance’s very strong speech. It was a public caning, I can’t call it anything else.” – Asya Emelyanova
However, German and EU officials reacted critically. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed disbelief at Vance's comparisons.
“If I understood him correctly, he is comparing conditions in parts of Europe with those in authoritarian regimes.” – Boris Pistorius
“That is unacceptable, and it is not the Europe and not the democracy in which I live and am currently campaigning.” – Boris Pistorius
Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief, urged focus on more significant threats like Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
“Listening to that speech, they try to pick a fight with us and we don’t want to a pick a fight with our friends.” – Kaja Kallas
Vance insisted on the importance of addressing mass migration as an urgent issue for nations globally.
“Of all the pressing challenges that the nations represented here face, I believe there is nothing more urgent than mass migration.” – JD Vance
He also emphasized his concerns about the decline of free speech across Britain and Europe.
“in Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat”. – JD Vance
The Vice-President's remarks left many attendees in shock, particularly due to his persistent refusal to acknowledge Trump's defeat in the 2020 US presidential election.