Experts believe that groups with ties to the Kremlin are likely behind a wave of fake news targeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, viewing his strong support for Ukraine as a threat.
Since Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) assumed office, a surge of fake news has flooded the internet. The German government and independent experts are raising the alarm, identifying this as a deliberate and organised campaign. They suspect Kremlin-affiliated circles and the far-right as the primary sources of these attacks, as reported by focus.de in the article “Why So Much Fake News Is Suddenly Appearing About Chancellor Merz,” which is based on a report by DPA (German Press Agency).
The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), an independent organisation dedicated to countering disinformation, is closely monitoring the fake news stories targeting Merz, according to Focus. ISD analyst Pablo Maristany de las Casas explains that Merz became a key target after being named the CDU’s chancellor candidate, following the collapse of SPD-Green-FDP coalition government at the end of last year. Since taking office and pledging Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, the disinformation campaigns have, according to the expert, “only intensified.”
“Since being elected Chancellor, Merz has become a primary target of disinformation,” said Maristany de las Casas. Entire TikTok accounts are dedicated to spreading false information about Merz’s policies, often using AI-generated content. These accounts have attracted thousands of likes and followers.
Social media platforms are now flooded daily with fabricated “initiatives” falsely attributed to Merz, aimed at undermining his credibility. Recent false claims include proposals to extend working hours or to enforce earlier nighttime quiet hours.
Maristany de las Casas points to two likely sources of these fake news stories: groups close to the Kremlin, who see Merz’s strong pro-Ukraine stance as a threat, and far-right groups that also oppose his leadership.
Source: Warum es plötzlich so viele Fake News zu Kanzler Merz gibt
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