The American president gave a speech in the U.S.-style MAGA, avoiding issues usually addressed at the Munich safety Conference. Instead, Vance referred to respective hot cultural themes — from abortion laws in Britain to presidential elections in Romania.
— The threat I am most afraid about in Europe, There is no Russia, it is not China or any another outside player. I'm worried about an interior threat," the vice president said. — The retreat of Europe from any of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America.
It was clear that a typical of a completely different administration than the transatlantic White home of erstwhile president Joe Biden was speaking.
— There's a fresh sheriff in Washington City, and under Donald Trump's leadership, we may disagree with your views, but We will fight for yours rights to give them on agora “ Vance declared. A public made up of political and defence experts has become obsolete.
The vice president's speech focused mainly on issues of cultural war and populism, and Vance accused European governments and “comissars” of being more curious suppressing freedom of speech alternatively than ensuring safety for their citizens.
In 1 case he hit Britain, highlighting the case of anti-abortion activist Adam Smith-Connor, who was convicted last year for violating the safe region and praying close the abortion clinic.
Vance besides criticised the Romanian ultimate Court for November's decision to annulment of the first circular of presidential elections in this country after the utmost right-wing presidential candidate Calin Georgescu was accused of benefiting from an illegal run in Russian social media.
— erstwhile we see the European courts canceling elections and elder officials threatening to appeal more, we should ask ourselves whether we are keeping to the advanced standards,” Vance said.
He attacked high level of migration, addressing the same themes that revived Trump's return to power in the United States. He said he was praying for victims of a Thursday attack in Munich erstwhile a migrant drove his car into a crowd, wounding 28 people.
— How many times do we gotta endure from these appalling failures before we change course and lead our civilization in a different direction?," he asked Vance, adding that the number of immigrants from outside the EU who entered the area doubled from 2021 to 2022 e. In his opinion, this was “the consequence of the series informed decisions taken by politicians across the continent."
Taking an absolute view of freedom of speech, Vance said: "I firmly believe that there is no safety if you are afraid of the voices, opinions and consciences that guide your own nation.
Conference participants have doubts
The speech sparked confusion in Munich, where The audience expected clarity Following fresh evasive comments by the U.S. administration on reaching a peace agreement in Ukraine, its views on Russia and whether US troops will be withdrawn from Europe.
“Crazy,” says Ivo Daalder, b. U.S. Ambassador to NATO, “This is not the kind of language that can be expected in the 21st century, and surely not from the vice president of the United States at the most crucial safety conference in Europe.
Daalder adds that Vance besides missed an chance to explain Trump's position on Ukraine's talks with Russia. “All he said was that we thought At any point, there should be peace, and that's it.. The issue of territories and borders, the issue of safety guarantees, the question of sanctions and their future, the question of support for Ukraine and its future have not been mentioned at all.
However, the speech did not just rise objections. Elon Musk, billionaire and Trump's advisor, was delighted.
One European diplomat commends Vance for his “very strong speech”.
A lot of people won't like it. Many quietly agree with him, but decide not to express it. There are double standardsAs regards the approach of the EU institutions to the democratic process in different European countries, he says.
Michael McFaul, b. U.S. Ambassador to Russia, claims Vance misdiagnosed the problem. Putting censorship as the biggest problem facing Europe is wrong, he said. - He thinks it's censorship, I think it's Russia and quite a few people here think it's Russia..
Vance’s speech closes a week of confusion and frustration in Europe due to a amazing message by defence secretary Pete HegsethThat Ukraine cannot return to its borders before the invasion. The politician besides ruled out Ukraine's future NATO membership.
