Skip next section Chancellor Scholz takes aim at far-right in speechFebruary 15, 2025
Chancellor Scholz takes aim at far-right in speechJenipher Camino Gonzalez
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opened his speech at the conference with a sharp rebuke of far-right and anti-democratic forces, sending a strong message of opposition to Germany’s AfD party and anyone from abroad who supports it.
It was a clear message directed at the US and Donald Trump’s administration, whose main advisor, billionaire donor Elon Musk, has openly declared support for AfD.
Scholz said in Munich that Germany would not accept outside intervention in its elections. “That is not appropriate — especially not among friends and allies,” he added.
The German Chancellor said that the defense of democracy against fascism and authoritarianism has been the foundation of the transatlantic relationship and called for maintaining this principle.
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Skip next section ICYMI: The main headlines from FridayFebruary 15, 2025
ICYMI: The main headlines from FridayThe Munich Security Conference kicked off on Friday in the German city, with further events planned through Saturday and Sunday. Here are the main takeaways from Friday:
German defense minister criticizes JD Vance’s ‘not acceptable’ remarks on European democracy US Vice President JD Vance says free speech is ‘in retreat’ in Europe, mass migration most urgent challenge for continent German President Steinmeier criticizes the Trump administration for ignoring ‘established rules’ EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warns that a failed Ukraine would ‘weaken the United States’ Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi says Beijing was prepared to fight back against US ‘bullying’ ‘Trump administration bent on being critical of Europe’To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
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Skip next section Welcome back to DW’s coverage of events at the MSCFebruary 15, 2025
Welcome back to DW’s coverage of events at the MSCTimothy Jones | Alex Berry
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the conference on FridayImage: Andreas Stroh/ZUMA Press Wire/picture allianceThe Munich Security Conference enters its second day on Saturday following an eventful opener that saw US Vice President JD Vance anger European leaders with accusations that they are undermining democracy on the continent. At the same time, he called for more openness to right-wing populists.
Saturday is set to kick off with a speech by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Germany’s role in the world, followed by an address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on what he sees as the future for Ukraine.
There will also be townhalls and panel discussions on topics including climate-induced migration, Europe’s geopolitical role, food security and coping with rising economic protectionism across the world.
Continue to follow our blog as we keep you up-to-date with the latest from the conference.
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Skip next section Munich Security Conference to continue SaturdayFebruary 15, 2025
Munich Security Conference to continue SaturdayWhile closed-door meetings typically happen throughout the night at the Munich Security Conference, we’re pausing our live coverage; thanks for following along.
We will have further reporting and analysis from the conference on Saturday.
https://p.dw.com/p/4qVBN
Skip next section US ‘interference’ in election ‘disturbs’ chancellor candidate MerzFebruary 15, 2025
US ‘interference’ in election ‘disturbs’ chancellor candidate MerzImage: Ronka Oberhammer/DWAfter a provocative speech by US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, CDU/CSU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz aired his concerns about the direction of US foreign policy and said Washington is “openly interfering in an election” as the Germans prepare to go to the polls in less than 10 days.
In an interview with DW correspondent Michaela Kuefner, Merz said: “The American security guarantees are being called into question, the Americans are questioning democratic institutions, and they are interfering quite openly in an election, including in relation to democratic parties and their majorities.”
In his speech, Vance said European governments were stamping down free speech, ignoring voters’ concerns and were at risk of destroying democracy. That, Merz said, was disturbing.
“I have to say, it disturbs me,” he continued. “It doesn’t surprise me because they have talked about this before, but I firmly reject it. It is not the job of the American government to explain to us here in Germany how we should protect democratic institutions. And we will continue on our course.”
During a private meeting in Munich, Merz said he and Vance discussed US tariffs, European defense capabilities and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“I made a suggestion to Vice President Vance that if the American government were to talk to the Russian government, the Europeans should be involved together with Ukraine,” he said. “It would be expected that the Russian side would pledge to implement a ceasefire before negotiations. That would be a positive indication from the Russian side that they are seriously interested in peace in Ukraine.”
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Skip next section Scholz airs frustration at Vance speech, defends Germany’s AfD ‘firewall’February 14, 2025
Scholz airs frustration at Vance speech, defends Germany’s AfD ‘firewall’German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed his frustration after US Vice President JD Vance criticized European governments at the Munich Security Conference.
“What was said is irritating and cannot simply be dismissed and played down,” Scholz told German public radio station Deutschlandfunk.
Earlier on Friday, Vance warned the European establishment against ignoring the will of voters, calling for an end to political “firewalls.”
Germany is holding federal elections on February 23, and Scholz is lagging in the polls, but the German chancellor is a strong advocate of the “firewall” agreed by parties not to cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
“We need a firewall,” affirmed Scholz. Germany is a democracy that was created out of opposition to the Nazis and fascism, Scholz added.
Scholz also said he is concerned about the future of the NATO military alliance. He said European countries would have to do more for their own defense as NATO-critic Donald Trump begins his second term as US president. There were, however, still signs that cooperation with the United States would remain possible, Scholz said.
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Skip next section Pistorius: Everybody in Germany and Europe can say whatever they wantFebruary 14, 2025
Pistorius: Everybody in Germany and Europe can say whatever they wantIn an interview with DW at the Munich Security Conference, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius doubled down on his criticism of US Vice President JD Vance’s speech (see earlier entry below).
Vance said free speech was “in retreat” in Europe and Pistorius hit back, replying: ”It’s about his opinion about democracies. And I said, ‘No, this is not acceptable to accuse us [of] not being real democrats.’ And I had to make that clear as a representative of a German government here in Munich.”
“Vice President Vance emphasized the relevance of democracy and freedom of opinion, and I reacted to his opinion with my opinion, especially because I’m convinced, deeply convinced, as a democrat in Germany and Europe, that our democracies are even more stable and as good as ever before,” Pistorius said.
Regarding the specifics of Vance’s accusation that free speech was being suppressed in Europe, Pistorius said: “Everybody in Germany and in Europe is able and is allowed to say his opinion wherever and whenever he wants.”
Pistorius also refuted suggestions he was endangering US-European relations with his comments.
“I’m not afraid that the relationship between the US and Europe and Germany will take any damage from that because it is too strong for that.”
Pistorius: JD Vance’s criticism ‘is not acceptable’To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
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Skip next section Scholz joins chorus of disapproval regarding JD Vance’s commentsFebruary 14, 2025
Scholz joins chorus of disapproval regarding JD Vance’s commentsGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected US Vice President JD Vance’s comments regarding the lack of democracy and free speech within Europe.
“I expressly reject what US Vice President Vance said at the Munich Security Conference,” Scholz posted on X. “From the experience of National Socialism, the democratic parties in Germany have a common consensus: This is the firewall against extreme right-wing parties.”
https://p.dw.com/p/4qV2V
Skip next section JD Vance meets AfD’s WeidelFebruary 14, 2025
JD Vance meets AfD’s WeidelUS Vice President JD Vance, who is in Germany for the Munich Security Conference and has not met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, held talks with the leader of the far-right AfD party near the security conference, according to German public broadcaster ZDF.
The talks with Alice Weidel, the AfD’s top candidate in Germany’s February 23 elections, were held outside the venue because the far-right party was not invited to the gathering, ZDF reported.
The AfD is under observation by Germany’s domestic intelligence service on suspicion of being a right-wing extremist organization. Three of the party’s state associations have been designated as proven as right-wing extremist.
Vance’s office also confirmed the meeting between the vice president and Weidel.
https://p.dw.com/p/4qV17
Skip next section Will Iran bow to Donald Trump’s ‘maximum pressure?’February 14, 2025
Will Iran bow to Donald Trump’s ‘maximum pressure?’US President Donald Trump has taken a sharper tone toward Iran, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is responding with growing defiance (FILE: November 7, 2024)Image: Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu/picture allianceExperts told DW on the sidelines of this year’s Munich Security Conference that US President Donald Trump could combine military threats and economic sanctions to force Tehran to give up on its nuclear program.
Read more of DW’s analysis here.
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Skip next section India ‘in favor of lasting peace’ in Ukraine without ‘blame game,’ BJP Foreign Affairs head Vijay Chauthaiwale tells DWFebruary 14, 2025
India ‘in favor of lasting peace’ in Ukraine without ‘blame game,’ BJP Foreign Affairs head Vijay Chauthaiwale tells DWChauthaiwale spoke to DW’s Richard Walker on US-India relations after Modi met with Trump at the White House Image: Ronka Oberhammer/DWVijay Chauthaiwale, head of India’s Foreign Affairs Department from the ruling BJP party, told DW’s Chief International Editor Richard Walker that India is “in favor of lasting peace” in Ukraine “without going into a blame game.”
Speaking about India-US relations, Chauthaiwale said they “have a tremendous potential to grow and develop in practically every sphere of world affairs” and India will take “appropriate decisions” on tariffs.
They may be allies, but there have been differences between the two nations, with US President Donald Trump this week describing Indian tariffs on US goods as “unfair.” Trump has vowed “reciprocal” tariffs in response.
“Two best friends don’t have to agree on every aspect,” Chauthaiwale said.
‘Europe is going through a transition’To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
On climate change, Chauthaiwale said India is “already ahead of its time in fulfilling its commitments” and climate protection will face “hurdles” now that the United States has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Chauthaiwale said he did not agree with Trump’s comments that BRICS — the interstate association comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — “is dead.”
https://p.dw.com/p/4qUoz
Skip next section Zelenskyy says he had a ‘good’ talk with VanceFebruary 14, 2025
Zelenskyy says he had a ‘good’ talk with VanceUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday he had a “good conversation” with US Vice President JD Vance.
“Our first meeting, not last, I’m sure,” Zelenskyy said after the meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy (left) and JD Vance (right) met on the sidelines of the Munich Security ConferenceImage: TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP “We want the war to come to a close, we want the killing to stop,” Vance said during the talks with Zelenskyy.
Shortly before sitting down with Vance, Zelenskyy said he would only agree to meet in-person with Russian President Vladimir Putin after a common plan is negotiated with US President Donald Trump.
Earlier at the conference in southern Germany, Vance suggested Europe needed to focus on migration while claiming freedom of speech is “in retreat” across the continent, comments which were strongly rebuked by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
JD Vance’s speech felt like the United States was “trying to pick a fight” with Europe, “and we don’t want to a pick a fight with our friends,” Kallas said.
Zelenskyy, Vance sit down for talks in MunichTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
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Skip next section Germany’s Pistorius says JD Vance remarks ‘not acceptable’February 14, 2025
Germany’s Pistorius says JD Vance remarks ‘not acceptable’German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has heavily criticized JD Vance after the US vice president accused European governments of ignoring voter concerns on immigration and stamping down on free speech.
“Democracy was called into question by the US vice president for the whole of Europe earlier,” Pistorius said at the Munich Security Conference. “He speaks of the annihilation of democracy. And if I have understood him correctly, he is comparing conditions in parts of Europe with those in authoritarian regions… that is not acceptable.”
Pistorius accused Vance of painting a distorted picture of democracy.
Pistorius: Vance speech ‘not acceptable’To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
With the German elections just over a week away, and the far-right AfD in second place in the polls, Pistorius poured scorn on the notion that free speech was being stymied.
Democracy means that “extremist parties such as the AfD can campaign quite normally, just like any other party.”
“However, democracy does not mean that the loud minority is automatically right and determines the truth,” Pistorius said.
Earlier, JD Vance said that free speech was “in retreat” in Europe while mass migration was a topic being underestimated by nations across the continent.
Germany’s migration debate: What the parties wantTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
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Skip next section Zelenskyy says open to seeing Putin after Trump plan is negotiatedFebruary 14, 2025
Zelenskyy says open to seeing Putin after Trump plan is negotiatedZelenskyy was speaking on the sidelines of the MSC Image: Olha Tanasiichuk//Ukrinform/dpa/picture allianceUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he would only agree to see Russian President Vladimir Putin after a plan on Ukraine is negotiated with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Zelenskyy said that he was open to negotiations but expected any potential peace talks with Russia to be extremely difficult.
The Ukrainian president described acknowledging the Russian annexation of Ukrainian territory as a “red line” that would never be recognized.
He believes that Trump is the key to ending the conflict in his country, telling reporters at the MSC that the US leader had given him his personal phone number during a call earlier this week.
“Yes, he gave me his telephone number,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Trump had told the Ukrainian leader: “You can call anytime.”
https://p.dw.com/p/4qUDM
Skip next section Watch more MSC speeches hereFebruary 14, 2025
Watch more MSC speeches hereYou can watch a livestream of today’s speeches and roundtables at the MSC on the event’s official website here.
DW will continue bringing you the latest key quotes from the event along with exclusive content, analysis and interviews.
https://p.dw.com/p/4qUDS
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