Frankfurt (Germany), Jan. 14 (LaPresse) – "The federal government takes the threat of foreign influence and manipulation in the information space very seriously and is taking decisive measures to counter it. Protecting federal elections from hybrid threats by foreign states is of particular importance to ensure free and secure elections, a cornerstone of our democracy," a spokesperson for Germany’s Ministry of the Interior told LaPresse regarding concerns over hybrid threats and disinformation on social media ahead of the federal elections on February 23.
"Observations in the international context show a fundamental interest in the potential illegitimate influence of foreign states on elections, with Russia currently being the most prominent actor. Foreign states, particularly Russia, have various tools and the willingness to influence elections in their favor," the spokesperson explained.
The Ministry of the Interior is coordinating the management of hybrid threats, including disinformation, within the federal government, involving federal security authorities closely. "The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has established a task force," the spokesperson added.
In Germany, controversy has arisen over a conversation broadcast live on X between billionaire Elon Musk, an advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and Alice Weidel, the leader and chancellor candidate of the far-right AfD. The Ministry of the Interior also relies on European laws to address disinformation on social platforms, the spokesperson emphasized.
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