Wren Crowe U.S. Vice President JD Vance has sparked controversy and diplomatic tension by meeting with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, breaking a long-standing political taboo in German politics.
The meeting, which took place in Munich, focused on the war in Ukraine, German domestic politics, and discussions about the German political “firewall” that traditionally prevents far-right parties from joining ruling coalitions. This meeting comes at a sensitive time, just weeks before a German election where the AfD is positioned to potentially take second place.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Vance criticized European leaders’ approach to right-leaning parties, stating, “If you’re running in fear of your own voters, there is nothing America can do for you.” He further challenged European democratic practices, suggesting that terms like “misinformation” were being used to suppress alternative viewpoints.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded forcefully to Vance’s remarks, posting on X: “I expressly reject what US Vice President Vance said at the Munich Security Conference. From the experience of National Socialism, the democratic parties in Germany have a common consensus: this is the firewall against extreme right-wing parties.”
The meeting has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked, “Listening to that speech, they try to pick a fight with us and we don’t want to pick a fight with our friends.” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius added that comparing conditions in Europe to authoritarian regimes was “unacceptable.”
Notably, Vance did not meet with Chancellor Scholz, despite Germany’s key role in negotiations over Ukraine’s future. The decision to meet with Weidel instead has been interpreted as a signal of the current U.S. administration’s shifting approach to European allies and its apparent support for populist movements across the continent.
This diplomatic row comes at a crucial time for transatlantic relations, as both sides struggle to maintain unity on policy regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other pressing international issues.
