Authorities warn that Moscow isn't relying on pro-Russian sentiment among voters in eastern regions
BERLIN – Russian disinformation campaigns are increasingly targeting regional and municipal candidates in Germany ahead of critical local elections set for September
The eastern states of Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin all go to the polls next month with strong results for the Russia-friendly far-right AfD party expected. German authorities, however, are warning that Moscow is not simply banking on genuine pro-Russian sentiment among some voters in eastern Germany.
Instead, it is actively seeking to magnify existing political and social divisions. Officials have identified, for example, videos designed to resemble content from established media outlets, copying their logos, that falsely accuse politicians of serious sexual offences.
They targeted candidates from all major parties in the regions where elections are upcoming, with the two notable exceptions of the Russia-friendly far-right AfD and the left-wing BSW.
