The Munich Security Conference (MSC), under its new chair, Wolfgang Ischinger, is facing scrutiny over the decision to re-invite AfD politicians to its 2026 gathering, marking a departure from the policy of his predecessor, Christoph Heusgen. Ischinger has defended the move, arguing that the conference’s core purpose is to foster dialogue and present a broad spectrum of opinions, even those considered opposing.
Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Ischinger dismissed accusations that the invitation represents a dismantling of crucial safeguards. He asserted that inviting AfD representatives does not diminish the established barriers preventing the party’s involvement in government, emphasizing that responsibility for such exclusion ultimately lies with the parliamentary process and voters. He stressed the MSC is not a platform for legitimizing potential government participation.
While acknowledging widespread condemnation of the AfD’s stance on Russia and the Ukraine war – a position he personally deems “incorrect and contrary to German interests” – Ischinger clarified that the invited individuals will not be given prominent speaking slots at the conference. Rather, they are being invited to participate as specialists from relevant parliamentary committees, effectively returning to a format that was previously in place until 2024.
The decision opens a complex debate about the responsibilities of neutral forums in engaging with politically controversial groups. Critics are questioning whether the invitation, even with limited speaking opportunities, risks normalizing a party whose views are increasingly seen as undermining Germany’s security interests and fundamental democratic values. The MSC’s rationale of facilitating dialogue is pitted against the potential for inadvertently providing a platform for perspectives that challenge core tenets of the German political and security landscape. The move underscores the ongoing tension between the principles of open dialogue and the need to actively counteract extremist ideologies.