The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has warned that Russian influence operations are likely to target the state elections taking place this year. In its assessment, quoted by the “taz” in its Tuesday issue, the BfV noted that the recent rise in hybrid attacks by Russia against European democracies makes such interference a real possibility during the state elections. The danger from “unlawful foreign influence and information manipulation” is taken very seriously.
For several years, elections have been a focus of manipulation attempts by foreign states, and the BfV says the primary threat continues to come from the Russian Federation. If such interference occurs, it is expected to support those individuals and parties that back official Russian positions or spread narratives aligned with Russian state leadership. No specific parties or individuals have been named.
The office also cautions that those who oppose the Kremlin’s worldview, such as supporters of Ukraine, may be singled out and discredited. Russian actors could try to undermine confidence in democratic institutions, particularly on issues of internal security and migration. They might also cast doubt on the integrity of the elections themselves or the outcome that is declared.
The first state election this year is scheduled for Sunday in Baden-Württemberg, followed by elections in Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania, and Berlin. During last year’s federal election, influence attempts were identified and later attributed by the BfV and the BND to Russia’s “Storm‑1516” campaign.