Not concerning the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
In a candid interview with CNN, Washington Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) unveiled that during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in the nation's capital, the discussion on the handling of the controversial AfD party was conspicuously absent. When enquired whether the topic had been brought up, Merz casually responded, "Not a peep about it."
Merz elaborated, emphasizing that Germany, being a robust and unwavering democracy, is unafraid of external guidance. "Frankly, we're mature," Merz asserted, "We don't require instruction on managing our country or practicing democracy from others - it's already in our blood."
Critics from the Trump administration have previously accused Germany and other European allies of muzzling free speech and shunning political parties like the AfD. For example, US Vice President JD Vance had lashed out at European partners at the Munich Security Conference in February, warning of a gravitational threat to democracy. Indirect references to the heated debate surrounding the AfD and the call for "firewalls" in Europe hinted at his apprehensions.
It's important to acknowledge that the current US administration under President Trump has been vocal in displaying support for the AfD, a party considered far-right and anti-immigration by German authorities[1][2][3]. High-profile American figures like Elon Musk have also publicly endorsed the AfD, sparking controversy regarding US interference in German domestic politics[2][4]. The German government, including Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, have vehemently opposed these interventions, urging the US administration to respect the country's sovereignty[2].
In terms of the legal and security assessments of the AfD, it diverges significantly from the US administration's political stance and the mainstream German consensus[1][2][3]. This tension demonstrates a growing rift between the two nations on issues concerning politics and democracy.
- In response to questions about policy-and-legislation regarding the AfD party, Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified Germany's stance, stating, "We don't require instruction on managing our country or practicing democracy from others - it's already in our blood."
- Despite criticism from US officials like JD Vance about Germany's handling of the AfD party and free speech, Chancellor Merz emphasized that Germany remains unafraid of external guidance in politics and general-news matters, as the country is a robust and unwavering democracy.
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