Key facts
- Russia is intensifying disinformation campaigns in Germany ahead of state elections.
- The campaigns aim to polarize the political climate and discredit established parties.
- False accusations against politicians, including embezzlement and sexual harassment, are being spread.
- German security sources are certain the campaigns are centrally orchestrated from Russia.
- The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is expected to make major gains in the upcoming elections.
Russia is intensifying disinformation campaigns in Germany ahead of upcoming state elections, according to German security sources. The campaigns are designed to polarize the political climate and discredit the governing conservative CDU party, its coalition partner the SPD, as well as the Greens and the Free Democratic Party.
Four security sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that German authorities are certain the campaigns are centrally orchestrated from Russia, utilizing various companies. These operations involve disseminating videos, primarily in English, that bear the logos of reputable media outlets such as the BBC and German broadcaster ARD. These videos contain false accusations against local politicians, including allegations of embezzlement, sexual harassment, and abuse.
Germany is scheduled to hold elections in Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania next month. Polls indicate that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, whose leader has expressed intentions to alter the political consensus and restore ties with Russia, could achieve a majority and potentially take power in Saxony-Anhalt.
Moscow has consistently denied involvement in disinformation campaigns against Western countries. However, Russia has faced accusations of election interference in the past, including similar warnings from the German government before federal parliamentary elections last year, and alleged attempts to influence elections in Moldova and Armenia.