In a pointed address at the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance challenged European leaders, asserting that internal censorship poses a greater threat to the continent than external adversaries like Russia or China. He expressed concern over Europe's departure from fundamental democratic values, citing instances of election interference and suppression of dissenting voices.
Vance criticized former European Commissioner Thierry Breton's remarks about potentially annulling election results, comparing them to Romania's annulment of its presidential election due to alleged Russian influence. He argued that a democracy susceptible to manipulation by foreign advertising wasn't robust in the first place.
The Vice President also took aim at the Munich Security Conference itself for excluding populist parties, suggesting that established interests are using terms like "misinformation" to silence alternative viewpoints. He drew parallels to Soviet-era censorship tactics, citing examples of police raids for online comments and restrictions on religious expression, specifically mentioning a U.K. case involving prayer near an abortion clinic.
Vance further criticized Sweden's imprisonment of an activist for Quran burning, questioning the country's commitment to free speech. He noted that his speech deviated from the expected discussion of defense spending and NATO, emphasizing the importance of a positive vision for shared security and the right of citizens to express their opinions without fear.
He concluded by asserting that if Europe fears its own voters, external assistance would be futile.
