German opposition conservative leader Friedrich Merz condemned US Vice President JD Vance’s statements on Europe’s approach to fighting hate speech and the far right, in Germany’s defense.
During the Saturday’s Munich Security Conference, Merz emphasized that Germany upholds democratic values as it ensures fake news and hate speech remain regulated legally. “We comply with the rules by our democratic institutions,” he maintained at a discussion panel.
Merz’s announcement comes after Germany went into the general elections of February 23, where his center-right block is leading according to polls. His stance mirrors that of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has criticized Vance earlier for targeting the efforts by European governments to put an end to far-right narratives, directly aimed at Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Germany has strong free speech protections, yet illegal dissemination of false information and hate speech are prohibited by law because the government considers such acts a threat to democratic stability.
