Fake videos target Berlin election candidates in disinformation campaign

Ahead of the Berlin state election, an online disinformation campaign is using fake videos to discredit candidates, raising alarms among political parties and authorities. The platform X has become a battleground, hosting numerous posts with false claims designed to erode the credibility of politicians. At least eight prominent figures, including the leading candidates for the CDU, SPD, Greens, and Left Party, have been targeted.

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Every attempt at disinformation and manipulation in the run-up to the Berlin elections in September is an attack on the free will and decision-making of citizens, which I condemn in the strongest possible terms.

These fabricated videos are crafted to appear authentic, often incorporating logos of major German media brands. The state security service is reportedly investigating these activities, with the Left Party confirming contact with the state criminal police office. A spokesperson for the Greens stated that the videos were not previously known to their party.

Stephan Bröchler, the state election director, has strongly condemned such disinformation efforts, calling them an "attack on the free will and decision-making of citizens." He emphasized ongoing collaboration with the interior senator and the Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution to ensure election security and the integrity of the voting process. The state is developing a comprehensive strategy to enhance resilience against disinformation campaigns.

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We are currently working on a comprehensive concept for how the state of Berlin can become even more resilient to disinformation campaigns in the run-up to the elections.

This sophisticated campaign mirrors tactics seen in other German states, including Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where similar fake posts have surfaced. Security authorities note similarities to the "Matryoshka campaign," a past disinformation effort linked to Russia that spread numerous false reports during the 2025 federal election. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has expressed serious concern over foreign influence and information manipulation during elections, particularly in light of Russia's increasing hybrid attacks against European democracies.

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The BfV takes the threat posed by illicit foreign influence and information manipulation in German elections very seriously.