A network of more than 700 fake social media accounts has sprung up in the last week of Germany's election campaign, researchers say, promoting pro-Russian narratives and demonising conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz.

Friedrich Merz, who is poised to become Germany's chancellor in a CDU-led government, has extensive experience as a lawyer and working with major corporations.

Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old veteran German politician with a hardline stance on migration and an expensive aviation hobby, is the favorite to become the country’s next chancellor in the February 23 federal election.