German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine while defending his country’s stance on free speech regulations, responding to recent criticisms from the Trump administration and its allies.
Germany Stands with Ukraine
Addressing a campaign rally ahead of Sunday’s elections, Scholz emphasized that Germany and Europe must stick to their positions despite shifting US foreign policy under Donald Trump.
“We won’t leave Ukraine alone or decide things over their heads. We will ensure Ukraine remains a sovereign nation capable of choosing its government,” he said.
Germany remains Kyiv’s second-largest military aid provider after the US since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Defending Germany’s Free Speech Laws
Scholz also hit back at Trump allies, including tech mogul Elon Musk and US Vice President JD Vance, who have criticized Germany’s strict laws against online hate speech as “Orwellian”.
Musk, who has openly supported Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), sparked controversy by allegedly making a right-arm gesture during Trump’s inauguration—something critics interpreted as a Nazi salute, though Musk has strongly denied the claim.
Scholz responded firmly:
“I have nothing against billionaires, but becoming one because you want the right to insult people and break the law is unacceptable.”
He reaffirmed that Germany will maintain its strict anti-hate speech policies, including the ban on Nazi symbols.
