German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has ventured into the world of TikTok, marking his debut on the Chinese-owned social media platform. In a move mirroring the engagement of other Western politicians, Scholz posted his first TikTok video on Monday.
In the video, shared under his new account TeamBundeskanzler (Team Chancellor), Scholz opted for a quirky approach, showcasing a briefcase on a couch accompanied by plodding bassoon music before revealing himself seated at his desk.
Accompanying the post was his pledge: "I won`t dance. Promise. #TikTok."
The decision to join TikTok reflects a strategic move by the German government to expand its reach to citizens, particularly the youth demographic increasingly drawn to the platform for political discourse. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit emphasized the intention to broaden the Federal Press Office`s communication channels.
"The Federal Press Office is expanding its range of information for citizens who are increasingly using TikTok to find out about and discuss politics," Hebestreit stated.
Scholz`s foray into TikTok aligns with a broader effort to engage younger audiences, as indicated by the statement highlighting its appeal to the youth.
Despite his recent entry into the platform, Scholz`s follower count has been modest, standing at 615 followers by late Monday morning. This figure pales in comparison to the significant presence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on TikTok, boasting over 411,000 followers.
The move comes amidst the backdrop of an election-heavy year in Germany, with significant polls scheduled, including the European Parliament elections in June and state parliament elections in three eastern states in September. The AfD, known for its active participation on TikTok, is eyeing substantial gains in these upcoming elections.
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