US Vice President Vance’s Munich Speech Criticized Over Calls to End ‘Brandmauer’ Against Far-Right

Vance’s remarks urging dialogue with far-right parties and critiquing European restrictions on free speech provoke backlash from German leaders and transatlantic allies.

US Vice President J.D. Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference called for an end to Europe's 'Brandmauer' policy, which excludes far-right parties like Germany's AfD from political collaboration.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and CDU leader Friedrich Merz strongly rejected Vance’s stance, emphasizing Germany’s historical commitment to opposing extremist parties.
Vance’s comments on European free speech restrictions, referencing cases in Romania, Germany, and the UK, were described by critics as overstepping and inappropriate for the security-focused forum.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel praised Vance’s speech and met with him for a private discussion, drawing further criticism from German political leaders.
The speech has raised concerns about a potential rift in transatlantic relations, with European officials urging focus on shared security threats such as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.