German Chancellor Scholz reacts to US Vice President Vance: 'Never again'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted to the statements made by JD Vance in favor of the AfD party. In his speech at the 61st Munich Security Conference, Scholz emphasized that they would not accept the interference of foreign powers in German democracy. Stating that he told Vance during his visit that such things should 'never happen again,' Scholz expressed his gratitude for that expression.

Noting that the 'never again' rhetoric is a fundamental lesson Germans have learned from their experience of the National Socialist era, Scholz remarked that this is a historical duty.

Scholz pointed out that the vast majority of the public in Germany opposes the glorification and justification of National Socialism, and stated that those within the AfD downplay the crimes against humanity committed during the National Socialist period.

For this reason, emphasizing that supporting the AfD is incompatible with standing by the 'never again' rhetoric, Chancellor Scholz stated the following:

'Therefore, we do not accept that outsiders interfere in our democracy, our elections, and the formation of democratic opinion in favor of this party (AfD). This is not appropriate. Especially among friends and allies. We absolutely reject this. We decide for ourselves how our democracy will continue.'

US Vice President JD Vance

''UKRAINE'S COLLAPSE WILL NOT BRING VICTORY''

Touching upon potential peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Scholz called for respect for Ukraine's sovereignty in any negotiations with Russia. Scholz reiterated that in any solution resulting from future negotiations, Ukraine must possess an army capable of resisting a new Russian attack.

Stating that the Russia-Ukraine war must end quickly, Scholz said:

''Anyone who wants to change borders by force is undermining our peace order. Borders should not be shifted by the use of force. This principle must apply to everyone, always, and everywhere. A Russian victory or the collapse of Ukraine will not bring peace; on the contrary, it will further endanger peace and stability in Europe.''

Scholz stated that they would never support a dictated peace and would not accept any solution that would lead to the decoupling of European and US security.

Expressing that Europe must increase its defense spending to live in peace in the future, Scholz proposed an exemption in the European Union (EU) Stability Mechanism for all defense investments above NATO's current 2 percent target.

Scholz added that Germany is ready to do this because peace and security in Europe are at risk.