German politicians warn of Russian fake news threat in upcoming elections
With less than a month before Germany’s elections, politicians and government officials are raising alarms about foreign fake news campaigns. They believe authoritarian states, particularly Russia, are working to destabilize the democratic process.
Rising concerns over foreign interference
German lawmakers and ministries have identified a surge in disinformation campaigns targeting the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directly linked the Russian group Doppelgänger to thousands of fake news accounts operating within Germany.
Thomas Erndl, a politician from the Christian Social Union (CSU), confirmed that authorities are aware of Moscow’s efforts to manipulate the elections. According to him, Russia uses misinformation to fuel doubts about German institutions, erode public trust, and boost the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD).
“Russia is making massive efforts, and there will undoubtedly be consequences. The rise of AfD is fueled by mechanisms that spread distrust in our state and institutions while exaggerating issues like immigration,” Erndl told Euronews.
Fake news accounts and AI-Driven propaganda
Germany’s Foreign Ministry recently identified and flagged over 50,000 accounts on X (formerly Twitter) spreading false information. The Doppelgänger group clones reputable news websites, such as Der Spiegel and Welt, to create fake domains and mimic legitimate journalism. These articles, often indistinguishable from real news, are then spread through bot networks.
“We are witnessing large-scale influence operations through fake accounts and fabricated news portals. We must respond accordingly,” Erndl stated. He emphasized the need for greater awareness and improved technological defenses, including artificial intelligence, to analyze and counter these threats.
Erndl also urged for stronger cooperation across Europe, citing difficulties in prosecuting foreign actors involved in disinformation campaigns. “Violations of the law should be pursued through legal mechanisms, but this is challenging when the perpetrators operate from abroad,” he added.
Intelligence agencies call for greater resources
Germany’s intelligence services have expressed the need for increased funding, personnel, and legal authority to combat foreign interference. Erndl highlighted that recent privacy protections have restricted intelligence operations, making it harder to counter these threats effectively.
“In recent years, we have significantly limited our intelligence agencies’ powers to protect privacy and data rights. However, the rising risks demand a reassessment of the balance between individual rights and national security,” Erndl warned.
Broader security threats beyond Russia
Konstantin von Notz, a Green Party politician, described foreign-led disinformation as a critical security issue. He noted that Russia, China, and other authoritarian states are exploiting the vulnerabilities of democratic societies.
“The deliberate spread of misinformation aims to divide societies, discredit institutions, and manipulate elections. This is not just a Russian issue—China and other authoritarian regimes also engage in these activities,” von Notz told Euronews.
He criticized both the European Union and Germany’s Interior Ministry for not addressing the disinformation problem aggressively enough. “We need a comprehensive strategy, including stronger online platform regulations, better counterintelligence, and improved media literacy education,” he stressed.
European elections under foreign influence
The concerns in Germany are not isolated. In Poland, officials recently uncovered a Russian disinformation group targeting their elections. Romania also annulled a vote last month, citing Russian interference.
“We have long known that Germany is a primary target for cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns from Russia, China, and other authoritarian states,” von Notz said. “Particularly during election periods, we must remain vigilant. Our security agencies must stay alert, and citizens must recognize how much disinformation circulates—especially in the lead-up to the elections.”
Euronews reached out to the Russian Embassy in Berlin for comment on these accusations but received no response before publication.
