Vance Claims Germany ‘has rebuilt the Berlin Wall’
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TroibNews 
US Vice President J.D. Vance has criticized attempts to “destroy” the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, likening the actions of the German government to reconstructing the Berlin Wall.
On Friday, the BfV, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, designated the AfD as an “extremist” organization, pointing to “xenophobic, anti-minority, Islamophobic, and anti-Muslim statements made by leading party officials.” This classification allows law enforcement to intensify scrutiny of the party's activities.
Vance expressed his views on X, stating, “The AfD is the most popular party in Germany, and by far the most representative of East Germany. Now the bureaucrats try to destroy it.” He further remarked, “The West tore down the Berlin Wall together. And it has been rebuilt – not by the Soviets or the Russians, but by the German establishment.”
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, accused the government of trying to suppress dissent, asserting on X, “Since the AfD is the strongest party in polls now, they want to suppress the opposition & freedom of speech.”
Founded in 2013 as a reaction to Germany's handling of the eurozone debt crisis, the AfD has evolved to advocate for stricter immigration and asylum policies while opposing the “woke agenda.” The party also voices criticism of NATO and has organized protests against arms shipments to Ukraine.
In the February federal elections, the AfD secured second place, capturing 152 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag. Recently, they led opinion polls for the first time, garnering 26% support, particularly resonating in economically struggling regions of former East Germany. Nevertheless, the party has faced controversy due to links between some of its members and far-right or neo-Nazi organizations, along with the use of slogans related to Nazi Germany.
Major German political parties have adhered to a “firewall” principle, refusing to collaborate or form coalitions with the AfD. Vance criticized this isolationist approach during his address at the Munich Security Conference in February, stating, “Democracy rests on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters. There is no room for firewalls. You either uphold the principle or you don’t.”
The Berlin Wall, erected by East Germany in 1961, was intended to prevent citizens from escaping to West Berlin. It became a significant symbol of the Cold War and stood until its demolition in 1989, which ultimately led to German reunification.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
On Friday, the BfV, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, designated the AfD as an “extremist” organization, pointing to “xenophobic, anti-minority, Islamophobic, and anti-Muslim statements made by leading party officials.” This classification allows law enforcement to intensify scrutiny of the party's activities.
Vance expressed his views on X, stating, “The AfD is the most popular party in Germany, and by far the most representative of East Germany. Now the bureaucrats try to destroy it.” He further remarked, “The West tore down the Berlin Wall together. And it has been rebuilt – not by the Soviets or the Russians, but by the German establishment.”
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, accused the government of trying to suppress dissent, asserting on X, “Since the AfD is the strongest party in polls now, they want to suppress the opposition & freedom of speech.”
Founded in 2013 as a reaction to Germany's handling of the eurozone debt crisis, the AfD has evolved to advocate for stricter immigration and asylum policies while opposing the “woke agenda.” The party also voices criticism of NATO and has organized protests against arms shipments to Ukraine.
In the February federal elections, the AfD secured second place, capturing 152 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag. Recently, they led opinion polls for the first time, garnering 26% support, particularly resonating in economically struggling regions of former East Germany. Nevertheless, the party has faced controversy due to links between some of its members and far-right or neo-Nazi organizations, along with the use of slogans related to Nazi Germany.
Major German political parties have adhered to a “firewall” principle, refusing to collaborate or form coalitions with the AfD. Vance criticized this isolationist approach during his address at the Munich Security Conference in February, stating, “Democracy rests on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters. There is no room for firewalls. You either uphold the principle or you don’t.”
The Berlin Wall, erected by East Germany in 1961, was intended to prevent citizens from escaping to West Berlin. It became a significant symbol of the Cold War and stood until its demolition in 1989, which ultimately led to German reunification.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
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