Suche
Mein Konto
Scandal over fake chancellor handshake: AfD loses control!
A fake image of a handshake between Chancellor Merz and AfD politician Schenk is causing controversy and a need for discussion.
Scandal over fake chancellor handshake: AfD loses control!
A fake photo showing an alleged handshake between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and AfD member of the state parliament Gerhard Schenk is causing a stir in the political sphere. The Facebook post by Johannes Marxen, another AfD politician, quickly became a topic of discussion after it was exposed as a “cheapest fake”. As the HNA reported, the picture actually shows Merz in a celebratory setting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, and is from an official visit in 2024.
The manipulative post was targeted by critics because it not only did not reproduce the original photo correctly, but also depicted Merz in a mirror image, which led to an unnatural situation. However, the background with the baroque doors of the Presidential Palace in Kiev remained unchanged. The incident came at an interesting time after AfD leader Alice Weidel had previously called Merz a “lying chancellor” during a Bundestag debate. The post was eventually deleted after harsh criticism, like dokmz reported.
Political manipulation in the digital age
The incidents surrounding the fake image highlight the challenges of forming political opinions in times of digital manipulation. According to an analysis bpb There is an increasing risk from artificial intelligence, which is often used to create and spread disinformation. In a super election year like 2024, the fragility of trust in the media and institutions became particularly clear. The AfD has created a massive digital infrastructure that allows it to run targeted disinformation campaigns.
The erosion of trust in the media, which fell from 48% in 2023 to 47% in 2024, shows the extent to which the population faces current challenges. Artificial intelligence is perceived as a major risk associated with systematic manipulation of social media. Emotional reactions are deliberately used to generate engagement, and these mechanisms contribute to the polarization of society. The AfD cleverly uses algorithmic means to spread its messages and mobilize its audience.
In summary, this incident not only highlights the dangers of counterfeiting online, but also the importance of taking a critical look at the content that is distributed on social media every day. In a world where the Internet has become the primary source of news, the public must remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to manipulation.