Ahead of Germany’s federal election on February 23, voters are confronted with a dual wave of disinformation emanating from Russia and the far-right AfD. This campaign aims to foster distrust in mainstream parties and bolster extremist factions, utilizing fake news and social media manipulation as key tactics.
In the context of the upcoming federal elections on February 23, German voters are encountering a significant barrage of disinformation from two distinct sources: Russian influence campaigns and individuals associated with the far-right political party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). Recently, AfD member Stephan Protschka shared a sensational article on social media, falsely alleging a conspiracy involving the Green Party and the Ukrainian government to stage terrorist attacks, stirring outrage among his followers.
These disinformation campaigns have been identified by researchers and Germany’s domestic intelligence as attempts to sow discord and distrust within the electorate. The campaigns exploit existing societal and political tensions by spreading alarming claims about German politicians through fake news articles, manipulated videos, and an array of bot accounts across various social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Telegram, and Bluesky.
The overarching objective of these disinformation strategies is to undermine the credibility of mainstream political parties and media outlets while strengthening the far-right factions in Germany, particularly the AfD. This orchestrated misinformation is part of a broader tactic to destabilize the political landscape during a critical electoral period, further complicating the integrity of democratic processes.
In summary, German voters are facing a complex landscape dominated by disinformation from Russian sources and the far-right. As the February 23 elections approach, understanding the nature and intent of these campaigns becomes crucial in preserving the integrity of the electoral process while countering misinformation effectively.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
