Fact Check: False video alleges Berlin votes destroyedA video circulating on social media claimed to show someone destroying ballots for the far-right AfD party during Berlin's upcoming elections. Deutsche Welle's fact-check team investigated the claim and found the video to be false. While the ballot paper in the video resembles an official one from the Spandau 2 constituency, Berlin's state returning officer confirmed the documents shown were not authentic. Key discrepancies include mismatched envelopes, the absence of a required voter declaration, and an unusual configuration of ballots and envelopes. The video was shared widely on platforms like X, but experts concluded it does not reflect real election practices in Berlin.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced review of the situation, citing official sources and pointing out specific flaws in the video's authenticity without taking a stance on the broader political implications. It avoids loaded language and provides equal attention to both the claim and the debunking.
Why factuality (85): Der Artikel berichtet über eine Umfrage unter türkeistämmigen Berliner und deren politische Präferenzen. Die Informationen stammen aus direktem Interviewmaterial und sind damit faktenbasiert. Die Darstellung entspricht dem Primärquelltext und bleibt neutral.
Why objectivity (70): Der Artikel enthält eine gewisse emotionale Sprache, besonders bei der Beschreibung der Lebensumstände der interviewten Personen. Dies kann als leichter Editorialismus wahrgenommen werden, da die Perspektive der Interviewpartner stark betont wird.
Die ZeitIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 70yesterdayThe police conducted a search at the home of an employee of AfD Berlin candidate Kristin Brinker, uncovering drugs and Nazi memorabilia. The search was carried out under a court order issued on September 15, 2026, in Berlin-Lichterfelde. While no evidence directly supporting the allegations was found, other items were seized for further examination. AfD spokesperson Ronald Gläser described the investigation as a 'private matter,' while Brinker claimed the individual was simply a collector. The incident occurs amid election campaigning in Berlin, where other candidates, including SPD’s Steffen Krach, are also facing investigations. Krach denied allegations of accepting private funds and stated he has nothing to hide.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the event neutrally, detailing both the AfD's response and the ongoing investigations against other candidates like the SPD's Steffen Krach. It does not overtly favor one side over another, maintaining a balanced tone by quoting multiple perspectives without clear ideological sl
Why factuality (80): This article provides similar information to the first, including the police raid, the discovery of drugs and Nazi materials, and the response from the State Prosecutor’s office. It also references the AfD spokesperson’s comments. The reporting is more concise and sticks closer to the facts without
Why objectivity (70): While the article presents both sides, police findings and the AfD’s defense, it maintains a relatively neutral tone. However, it still frames the incident in the context of an upcoming election, which might subtly influence reader perception.
CORRECTIVIndependentConservativeFactual 80Objective 65yesterdayThe article discusses the political sentiments of young Turkish-German voters in Berlin ahead of the 20th election for the Berlin House of Representatives on September 20. These individuals express concerns over migration, economic instability, and crime, feeling that Germany has lost order and want it restored. They mention their grandparents' arrival as guest workers and desire a return to a more stable Germany. Through street interviews in areas like Neukölln and Kreuzberg, the report finds that 11 out of 25 respondents plan to vote for the AfD, while others have shifted away from the SPD and CDU. One interviewee describes the housing crisis as degrading and compares it to 'Hunger Games,' highlighting perceived neglect by the political establishment. The narrative suggests these voters are disillusioned with mainstream parties and seeking radical change through the AfD.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the growing support for the AfD among Turkish-German youth as a reaction against mainstream political parties, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with the status quo and portraying them as seeking a return to order. The tone leans toward portraying the AfD as a legitimate response,
Why factuality (80): Der Artikel berichtet über die Polizei-Statistik zu zerstörten Wahlplakaten und Angriffen auf Wahlkämpfer. Die Zahlen sind klar und können mit dem Primärquelltext abgeglichen. Es wird jedoch nicht genügend Kontext gegeben, um die politischen Motivationen hinter diesen Vorfällen zu erklären.
Why objectivity (65): Der Artikel hat einen leicht tendenziellen Ton, indem er die AfD als Hauptopfer darstellt und die Angriffe auf ihre Wahlkämpfer hervorhebt. Dies zeigt eine leichte Neigung zu einer bestimmten politischen Position.
Berlin election - Kristin Brinker of the AfD: top candidate with no chance of governmentThe article profiles Kristin Brinker, the leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Berlin, who is running for the third time as the party's top candidate in the state election. Despite the AfD expecting some gains in the vote, Brinker acknowledges that her party has little chance of forming a government, as no other parties would consider coalition talks with them. The piece highlights Brinker's campaign efforts in the northern district of Reinickendorf, where the AfD previously placed fourth in the 2023 election. During her campaign, she attempts to shift focus away from national issues like Russia and towards local concerns such as housing shortages and economic challenges faced by residents. While some passersby express support for the AfD, others criticize the party’s stance on women's rights and its perceived closeness to Russia. Brinker notes that public attitudes toward the AfD seem more open compared to previous years, though the party still faces significant opposition.
Bias read (Conservative): The article focuses on the AfD, a right-wing party known for its controversial positions on immigration, nationalism, and foreign policy. While the piece presents some perspectives from voters and includes Brinker's responses, it frames the AfD as a growing force in Berlin despite its lack of coalit
Why factuality (75): The article provides specific details about Kristin Brinker's third candidacy as AfD leader in Berlin, her campaign style, and quotes from passersby expressing skepticism toward the party. These details align with typical reporting on political campaigns. However, some statements are vague or incomp
Why objectivity (70): The article presents a somewhat neutral portrayal of Brinker’s campaign, including direct quotes from voters and her responses. However, it leans slightly toward highlighting the challenges she faces, using phrases like 'Spitzenkandidatin ohne Regierungschancen' and emphasizing voter skepticism. Thi
n-tvIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 60yesterdayFive days before the Berlin state election, police searched the apartment of a staff member of AfD lead candidate Kristin Brinker after receiving a court order from prosecutors. The search was conducted under suspicion of violations of Germany’s explosive and weapons laws. According to prosecutors, no evidence supporting the charges was found during the search, but other items were seized and require further forensic examination. The items reportedly included drugs and Nazi-related memorabilia. Brinker defended her employee, stating he was merely a collector and had no prior knowledge of his interests. Meanwhile, SPD lead candidate Steffen Krach faced similar investigations over alleged misuse of influence related to a former clinic site in Hanover. During an election rally, Krach denied the allegations and emphasized the importance of presumption of innocence in a democratic society. He urged voters to support the SPD and warned against letting the AfD gain more influence.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation involving the AfD candidate in a manner that emphasizes the discovery of Nazi-related items and portrays the defense of these items as problematic. It contrasts this with the SPD candidate's emphasis on the presumption of innocence and democratic values, which aligns
Why factuality (75): The article reports on a police raid at the home of an AfD candidate's employee, mentioning the discovery of Nazi devotional items and drugs. It cites statements from the State Prosecutor’s office and AfD spokespersons. While the details align with other sources, there is some ambiguity around the n
Why objectivity (60): The tone leans slightly towards portraying the situation as a political issue rather than a purely legal matter. The article mentions the timing near an election and includes quotes that suggest the AfD is defending its employee, which could be seen as biased toward the party.
Fact check: Fake video discredits postal election in BerlinIn den Tagen vor der Berliner Kommunalwahl am 20. September verbreiteten soziale Medien ein Video, das einen Mann zeigt, der angeblich Briefwahlumschläge öffnet und Stimmzettel für die rechtsextreme Partei AfD vernichtet. Die Deutschen Welle (DW) überprüfte das Video und fand heraus, dass die darin gezeigten Dokumente nicht echt sind. Laut dem Berliner Landeswahlleiter Stephan Bröchler entsprechen die im Video sichtbaren Umschläge nicht den offiziellen Wahlunterlagen. Zudem fehlen wichtige Elemente des offiziellen Briefwahlpakets, was darauf hindeutet, dass das Video gefälscht ist. Obwohl das Video viel Aufmerksamkeit erregte, wurde es als Fake-Video entlarvt.
Bias read (Center): Die Berichterstattung bleibt neutral und konzentriert sich auf die Überprüfung des Videos ohne parteipolitische Bewertung. Es wird klar gemacht, dass das Video falsch ist, aber die Darstellung bleibt objektiv und beruft sich auf offizielle Quellen.
Berlin parliamentary elections AfD top candidate Brinker: 'Sooner or later the strongest force'The article reports on the upcoming Berlin state election, focusing on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's campaign led by its leader Kristin Brinker. Brinker expresses confidence that the AfD will become the strongest force in the election, aiming to double their previous results. The piece highlights the AfD's growing influence in Berlin and includes quotes from Brinker about the significance of the election. It also features images of AfD campaign posters and mentions comments from readers.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the AfD's rise in a positive light, emphasizing Brinker's confidence in the party's potential success. The tone supports the AfD's ambitions without critical scrutiny, suggesting a favorable stance toward the party's political goals.
Investigation: search of staff of AfD leading candidateA few days before the Berlin state election, police conducted a search at the residence of an employee of AfD candidate Kristin Brinker, suspecting violations of explosive and weapon laws. The search was carried out under a court order issued on September 15th in Berlin-Lichterfelde. According to the prosecutor’s office, no evidence supporting the allegations was found, but other items, referred to as 'random finds,' were secured and require further forensic examination. Reports by Bild and B.Z. claimed the officers discovered drugs and Nazi memorabilia during the search. AfD spokesperson Ronald Gläser described the situation as a 'private matter' and stated they would await the investigation results. Brinker reportedly called the individual a 'collector' and expressed surprise at the findings.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the event as a legal investigation without overtly criticizing or praising either side. It reports both the official stance of the prosecutor’s office and the AfD’s reaction, providing balanced coverage of the situation. While the AfD is a politically charged group, the article,
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