German conservative candidate for chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Friedrich Merz speaks, during a campaign event ahead of the upcoming 2025 general election, in Neubrandenburg, Germany, February 12, 2025. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
BERLIN (Reuters) - Russian-linked online disinformation networks are spreading faked spy agency warnings of terrorist attacks in Germany ahead of this month's election in an apparent attempt to sow fear and depress voter turnout, cybersecurity experts say.
The networks were also spreading unfounded rumours aimed at discrediting Friedrich Merz, the conservative leader whom polls place ahead of the second-placed, Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany in polls, said the researchers.
