German Election Campaign Marred by Unprecedented Vandalism of Party Posters

Political parties across Germany report a surge in destruction of election posters, with police investigating politically motivated vandalism.

The Greens, SPD, and CDU have all reported significant increases in the destruction of their election posters during the 2025 Bundestag campaign.
Incidents include posters being defaced, torn down, or destroyed, with some cases involving offensive graffiti and symbols linked to opposing political groups.
The Greens in Karlsfeld and Neustadt highlighted targeted vandalism, including defacement of posters featuring their chancellor candidate, Robert Habeck.
SPD representatives noted a rise in verbal and physical aggression toward volunteers engaging in campaign activities, alongside property damage.
Police and state protection agencies are investigating the incidents as politically motivated crimes, with penalties including fines or imprisonment for perpetrators.