German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has recently made headlines for joining the popular video platform TikTok, just two months before the summer European elections and ahead of a trip to China. Scholz’s decision to move to the platform was prompted by his staff recognizing the trend of politicians gaining support through TikTok and saw it as a strategic decision before the elections.
As TikTok continues to gain popularity among European decision-makers, concerns about its influence on the political landscape are increasing. In Finland, there have been calls to ban the platform due to harmful content and fears of user data being shared with Chinese authorities. The rise of far-right and extreme right parties on TikTok has also sparked concern across Europe, with the Identity and Democracy Group of the European Parliament emerging as the largest audience on the platform.
The impact of TikTok on political power dynamics is becoming increasingly clear, as seen in Germany where young people’s favorite parties closely align with the platform’s trends. The far-right Alternative for Germany party has found success on TikTok, attracting a significant following among 14-29 year olds. The party’s anti-immigration and anti-establishment views resonate with young audiences on the platform.
For politicians like Scholz and AfD’s Maximilian Krah, TikTok has become a battleground for engaging with young voters and shaping political narratives. The platform’s influence on elections is undeniable, with visibility on TikTok becoming a key factor in reaching and mobilizing young voters. As parties adapt to
