The timing of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz joining the video platform Tiktok was no coincidence. Scholz jokingly assured the public that he wouldn’t be dancing on the platform. This announcement came at the beginning of April, just two months before the summer European elections and shortly before Scholz’s visit to China, the home of Tiktok.
Scholz’s team recognized that politicians who are trending on Tiktok are gaining support in surveys. This has caused a sense of panic among European decision-makers ahead of the upcoming elections. In Finland, some MPs in the coalition want to ban the platform due to concerns about harmful content and data privacy.
The far-right and extreme right parties have been performing well on Tiktok compared to other parties across Europe. The Identity and Democracy Group of the European Parliament has a large Tiktok audience and their support is increasing. This rise in popularity on Tiktok has started to influence power dynamics in real-world elections.
Young people’s favorite parties in Finland and Germany are being influenced by Tiktok. The far-right Alternative for Germany party has seen significant visibility on the platform. With Tiktok becoming a key platform for political engagement, other parties are also rushing to establish a presence on the platform.
The German government, especially the AfD, have embraced Tiktok as a way to connect with young voters. However, recent scandals and limitations on visibility have impacted the AfD’s presence on the platform. As the European elections approach, Tiktok has become a critical tool for politicians to reach and engage with younger voters.
In conclusion, Tiktok has become a significant factor in the political landscape of Europe, influencing public opinion and election outcomes. It has become a battleground for different political ideologies to compete for the support of young voters. As politicians continue to navigate this digital space, the impact of Tiktok on European politics is likely to grow in the future.