This text was published by IBERIFIER, one of fifteen EDMO Hubs.
The dissemination of manipulated statements falsely attributed to presidential candidates and the circulation of alleged endorsements from public figures that never existed were among the main disinformation phenomena recorded in Portugal during the 2026 presidential elections, held in January 2026. This is one of the findings of the latest report by the Iberian Digital Media Observatory (IBERIFIER), which analyses the main disinformation campaigns identified in Portugal and Spain between December 2025 and February 2026. According to the report, the election period was marked by the proliferation of manipulated content on social media, including fabricated images, videos and texts that attributed non-existent political positions, statements and endorsements to candidates. On such example. In many cases, false stories were presented as though they had been published by reputable news organisations, giving them an appearance of legitimacy. In Spain, the Adamuz railway accident in Córdoba was one of the main focuses of disinformation during the period under review.