A new survey reveals that local leaders in two German states are experiencing increased harassment, threats, and disinformation as regional elections approach.

A majority of local officials in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have reported harassment, threats, and even physical attacks, according to a recent survey conducted ahead of upcoming state elections. In Saxony-Anhalt, six out of ten mayors said they have faced such incidents, while four out of ten officials in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania reported similar experiences. The survey highlights growing anxiety and pressure among municipal leaders as political tensions escalate.

The findings also pointed to a shift in public sentiment within local communities. Many officials cited increasing dissatisfaction with national and regional politics, eroding trust in governmental institutions, and frustrations leading to polarization. In Saxony-Anhalt, 60% of participants noticed heightened discontent, while nearly half of respondents in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania observed similar dynamics. Desinformation campaigns were highlighted as a significant issue, with 74% of Saxony-Anhalt mayors having encountered them compared to 56% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

As the September state elections draw near, speculation surrounds potential changes in government leadership, with far-right parties leading some polls. Officials warn that such shifts might disrupt municipal administrative processes, amplified by growing public mistrust. The head of a democracy-focused non-profit cautioned that political conflicts at higher levels are increasingly impacting local governance, leaving community leaders grappling with an intensifying political climate and mounting pressures.