Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — U.S. Vice President James David (J.D.) Vance delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference, sharply criticizing internal threats to democracy in both Europe and the United States, with a focus on censorship, the migration crisis, and the disconnect between politicians and citizens.

His address, which combined support for traditional values with strong reproaches toward European elites, became one of the key moments of the event.

"Europe’s Main Threat Is Not Russia, but the Abandonment of Its Own Values"

Opening his speech, Vance expressed condolences to the victims of the recent attack in Munich, stating: "We pray for you."

However, he quickly moved to his main argument: in his view, Europe is not facing external challenges but rather “a retreat from the fundamental principles” that once united the West.

Vance cited several examples. The cancellation of elections in Romania in December 2023 under the pretext of "Russian interference." “If your democracy can be destroyed by a few hundred thousand dollars in advertising, then it was weak to begin with,” he stated.

Britain’s buffer zones around abortion clinics, where even "silent prayer" is criminalized. Vance called the case of veteran Adam Smith-Connor, who was fined for a three-minute prayer 50 meters from a clinic, "a symbol of repression against conscience."

Censorship in Sweden and the EU, where authorities threaten to block social media during "civil unrest," and courts convict activists for "offending religious sentiments."

"We are no different from those we fought in the Cold War," Vance claimed, drawing parallels to suppression of dissent in the USSR.

"The U.S. Is Also Guilty": Censorship and Lessons for the West

Vance did not spare his own country, condemning “the practices of the previous administration” (referring to Biden), which, in his words, "forced social media to censor the truth about the origins of COVID-19."

However, he emphasized that under Trump, the U.S. “will defend the right to express any opinion, even unpopular ones.”

Vance criticized European leaders’ detachment from public concerns, particularly on migration. “No one voted for millions of illegal immigrants, but people do vote for those who promise to stop this,” he said, referencing Brexit and the rise of right-wing parties.

The "fear of alternative opinions," he argued, is why both left- and right-wing politicians were excluded from the conference: “Banning dialogue is the style of the old Soviet system.”

Migration as a Security Threat: "Europe Created This Crisis Itself"

Vance linked the migration crisis to rising crime and terrorist attacks, such as the Munich attack, committed by "a young man known to the police." According to him, politicians have ignored these risks for decades and are now "reaping the consequences."

“Mass migration is a deliberate choice by elites, but its consequences erode public trust,” he stated, calling on Europe to “return to the principles of sovereignty and border control.”

"Do Not Fear Your Own People"

Concluding his speech, Vance quoted Pope John Paul II: "Do not be afraid."

“Democracy is not stone buildings, but faith in the wisdom of citizens. If we stop listening to them, even victories will become meaningless,” he declared.

“European leaders must choose: either dialogue with voters or further erosion of trust. America will not save those who run from their own people,” he added.

Vance’s speech, filled with sharp rhetoric and historical parallels, reflects the Trump administration’s stance on hardline sovereignty, criticism of globalism, and a populist “people versus elites” approach.

For Europe, this signals that Washington is not merely expecting higher defense spending but rather an ideological shift toward conservative populism. Whether this message will resonate in Berlin, Paris, and Brussels remains an open question.