Abdelrahman
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has voiced her disapproval regarding remarks allegedly made by US Vice President JD Vance about the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Vance is currently attending the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany, where he was said to have prompted traditional German political parties to collaborate with the AfD.
During an address at the MSC on Friday, Baerbock asserted, “The decision regarding who governs Germany falls solely to the German electorate, just like in any other democracy.” She further emphasized the importance of democracy, stating, “We are fortunate to live in a democracy, a fact that must be highlighted repeatedly, especially as we witness individuals worldwide sacrificing their lives for the freedom to vote.”
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published the same day, Vance mentioned his intention to encourage European leaders at the MSC to recognize and adapt to the rise of anti-establishment sentiments. He specifically urged German politicians to engage with all political factions, including the anti-immigration AfD.
At a press briefing, Steffen Hebestreit, spokesman for the German government, remarked that foreign influences should refrain from intervening in the domestic matters of a partner nation, suggesting they might lack a comprehensive understanding of Germany’s political landscape.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, is actively monitoring the AfD due to suspicions of right-wing extremism, with several regional factions already designating the party as such. The AfD currently holds a significant position in national polls, garnering support of approximately 20% as the February 23 elections approach.
Earlier this year, the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) controversially achieved a majority on an anti-immigration proposal with the backing of AfD votes, a move seen as a breach of the traditional “firewall” in German politics, where established democratic parties typically reject collaboration with far-right groups. This action has sparked widespread protests across various cities, drawing hundreds of thousands into the streets.
