German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a strong response to U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s recent comments at the Munich Security Conference. Scholz criticized Vance’s suggestion that European leaders should engage with far-right political parties, particularly in light of Vance’s visit to the Dachau concentration camp and his use of the phrase “never again.” Scholz emphasized the importance of upholding the commitment to “never again,” even in relation to parties like Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been accused of downplaying Nazi atrocities.

As Germany approaches a significant election, where the AfD is polling in second place, Scholz highlighted the party’s nationalist stance of blaming immigrants for societal issues. The AfD has been under surveillance for suspected extremism by Germany’s intelligence agency. Despite the AfD’s electoral success in some regions, other parties have maintained a pact to prevent the far-right party from entering federal governing coalitions.

During his speech, Vance urged German parties to abandon this “firewall” against the AfD, causing concern among European leaders. He also met with AfD leader Alice Weidel and other key figures in German politics. Scholz reiterated Germany’s stance against foreign interference in elections, asserting that such actions are unacceptable among allies. The exchange between Scholz and Vance underscores the complex political dynamics surrounding far-right movements in Germany and Europe at large.