Friedrich Merz, a leading candidate for Germany’s chancellorship, criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance for supporting the far-right AfD party. Merz reiterated his party, the CDU/CSU, will not engage with AfD in coalition talks. Other leaders, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, supported Merz in denouncing foreign interference and reaffirming Germany’s commitment to democratic principles. Recent polls show CDU/CSU leading ahead of the elections on February 23.
Friedrich Merz, a prominent candidate for the German chancellorship, openly criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance for his endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on February 23. During a televised debate, Merz reiterated his commitment that the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) will refuse to engage with the AfD in coalition talks after the elections.
Merz firmly stated, “I will not let the US vice president tell me who I have to talk to here in Germany,” asserting the importance of mutual respect between governments. He also emphasized that he accepted the outcome of the U.S. elections and expects similar respect from American officials regarding Germany’s political landscape.
Vance’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized European leaders for sidelining right-wing populist parties, ignited significant controversy. Merz expressed that he had communicated his disapproval of Vance’s statements directly during their meeting in Munich. He adamantly refused to accept any interference in Germany’s electoral process, stating, “The Americans have no role to play here.”
Aside from Merz, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Vance’s statements, reinforcing Germany’s longstanding policy of refusing collaboration with extremist right-wing factions. Scholz noted, “What was said there is completely unacceptable,” emphasizing historical lessons learned from the Nazi era, which inform current policies against right-wing extremism.
Comments from the Green Party chancellor candidate, Robert Habeck, were particularly sharp, accusing the Trump administration of undermining Western democratic values. Habeck remarked, “The Trump administration is launching a frontal attack on Western values,” stressing that Vance’s criticism is not merely electoral interference but threatens the fundamental principles of democratic governance.
Recent polls indicate that Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance leads but will likely need to form a coalition with either the Social Democratic Party (SPD) or the Greens to secure a governing majority. While the SPD currently holds 16% and the Greens are at 14%, the AfD is projected to become the second-largest party with 20%, despite widespread reluctance among other parties to work with it.
In summary, Friedrich Merz’s criticism of U.S. Vice President JD Vance highlights growing tensions regarding foreign influence in German electoral matters. Merz’s rejection of potential coalition talks with the AfD reflects Germany’s commitment to democratic integrity, with other political leaders supporting this stance. The upcoming elections will be crucial as parties maneuver for coalition opportunities amidst rising populist sentiments.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
