Ahead of German elections, experts and media investigators have identified a pattern of coordinated online disinformation campaigns that appear to amplify far-right narratives — particularly those associated with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Intelligence analysts and researchers suspect Russian involvement, though attribution in information operations is rarely simple. For immigrants and expats living in Germany, this is more than a political news story: the AfD's platform includes some of the most restrictive immigration policies of any mainstream German party, and the information environment shaping public opinion directly affects the political conditions that govern their lives here.
Researchers have identified several recurring tactics in the campaigns:
Experts from organisations including the EU DisinfoLab and German domestic intelligence (Verfassungsschutz) have been tracking these patterns. The Kremlin has denied involvement, as it typically does in such cases.
The strategic logic, according to analysts, is relatively straightforward: the AfD has consistently opposed German military support for Ukraine, called for the lifting of sanctions on Russia, and advocated for closer economic ties with Moscow. A stronger AfD in the Bundestag — or in state governments — would complicate Germany's continued support for Ukraine and potentially weaken EU unity on the issue. Destabilising the political mainstream and deepening polarisation around immigration also serves broader goals of weakening European cohesion.
It is important to note that correlation is not causation. The AfD has its own organic voter base, and not all AfD support is the result of foreign interference. However, independent researchers broadly agree that the disinformation ecosystem benefits the party's electoral position.
The political rise of the AfD — whatever its causes — has real implications for people living in Germany on foreign passports:
None of this means that immigrants should panic. Germany's democratic institutions are functioning, the AfD is currently excluded from governing coalitions at the federal level, and civil society organisations actively counter disinformation and support migrants' rights.
No. Your current Aufenthaltstitel and legal rights are governed by existing law, not by a party's electoral popularity. No changes to residence or visa rules happen without legislation passing through the Bundestag. Monitoring political developments is sensible, but there is no immediate legal threat to existing permit holders.
Be sceptical of viral stories on social media, especially those with strong emotional content about crime and migration. Check whether a story is covered by established German outlets (ARD, ZDF, Spiegel, Süddeutsche Zeitung). The EU's EUvsDisinfo database (euvsdisinfo.eu) tracks known disinformation narratives if you want to verify a specific claim.
The suspected Russian disinformation campaigns targeting German elections are a reminder that the political environment in Germany — which directly shapes immigration policy — does not operate in isolation from global information warfare. For expats and immigrants, staying informed through reliable sources, understanding the policy positions of major parties, and engaging with local civil society are the most practical responses.
Recommended actions:
Source: The Local Germany
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