US Vice President J.D. Vance Criticizes European Leaders’ Handling of Romanian Elections, Free Speech
US Vice President J.D. Vance has lambasted European leaders for what he perceives as their fear of voters and failure to uphold democratic values, pointing to the annulment of Romania’s presidential election as a prime example. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Vance asserted that Europe’s most significant threat emanates from within, condemning the suppression of free speech.
Vance took issue with the cancelled Romanian presidential elections, stating they were nullified based on “flimsy suspicions” from an intelligence agency and immense pressure from neighboring countries. He questioned the notion that democracies can be undermined by foreign digital advertising, suggesting that if this is a genuine concern, these democracies were already vulnerable.
The US vice president urged European Union leaders to embrace their citizens’ views, even when they are unexpected or disagreeable. Vance also compared EU politicians to Soviet leaders, implying that they share a similar disregard for democratic values and voter preferences.
Vance stated, “If you’re running in fear of your own voters, there’s nothing America can do for you.” He found it shocking that Brussels officials expressed delight over the cancelled Romanian elections or supported expansive content moderation powers and free speech restrictions in the US, Germany, and Sweden.
Dismissing criticism of Elon Musk’s alleged interference in European elections, Vance argued that if American democracy could withstand a decade of Greta Thunberg’s activism, Europe could endure Musk’s influence. Musk sparked controversy by endorsing the AfD party in Germany’s federal election, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz accusing him of election interference.
Vance’s remarks underscore the US’s growing concern over what it sees as backsliding democratic norms in Europe, particularly regarding free speech and voter agency. His comments come amidst a broader debate about the state of democracy globally and the role that external actors play in shaping its trajectory.