The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz) has warned that Russian influence attempts are expected to target the state elections taking place this year. In its assessment, quoted by the newspaper “taz”‘s Tuesday edition, it states that “with the increase in Russia’s hybrid attacks on European democracies, it is also to be expected that similar activities will take place during state elections”. The threat of “unauthorized foreign influence and information manipulation” is taken “very seriously”.
According to the office, elections have long been a target for manipulation carried out by foreign states. The main threat to Germany remains the activities of the Russian Federation. If such influence attempts occur, they would most likely aim to support individuals and parties that endorse official Russian positions or spread narratives aligned with the Russian state’s leadership. No specific parties or persons are named.
The assessment further warns that those individuals or parties who take positions opposed to the Kremlin’s vision-for example, by supporting Ukraine-may be discredited. Russian actors could also try to undermine confidence in democratic institutions, especially on issues of internal security and migration. Additionally, the integrity of the elections themselves or the resulting outcomes may be called into question.
The first state election of the year will be held on Sunday in Baden-Württemberg, followed by elections in Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania and Berlin. During last year’s federal election, the BND and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution attributed foreign influence attempts to Russia’s “Storm‑1516” campaign.
