German Chancellor Olaf Scholz joined the Chinese-owned video content platform on Monday, the 8th of April, with the account “@teambundeskanzler”. “I won’t dance. I promise. #TikTok,” Scholz wrote on X announcing the news, reports Politico.
Scholz joins other political leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, who also recently created TikTok accounts.
Chancellor Scholz’s decision to join TikTok was first signalled during the citizens’ dialogue in Dresden and is linked to his political campaign
ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections on the 9th of June and the crucial regional elections in September.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is already very active on TikTok, where it successfully reaches out to younger voters.
Scholz’s decision to join TikTok signals a shift in the German government’s stance, given its previous security concerns about the Chinese-owned app. Last year, ministries were instructed to delete the app from work devices because of these concerns.
Scholz’s TikTok account, like his other social media platforms, is managed by the government press office. The press release stated that the purpose of the account is to reach citizens who use TikTok to obtain political information and debate.
“In addition to insights into the Chancellor’s work and information on government policy, there will also be space for comments, questions and suggestions,” the press service said.
Also read: VIDEO | Biden campaign joins TikTok to reach out to young voters
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