Germany's Scholz joins TikTok in bid to reach young voters

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sent his first post on TikTok on Monday, joining a growing roster of Western politicians who have set aside security concerns to use the Chinese-owned social media platform. "I won't dance. Promise. #TikTok," Scholz posted on X.

Scholz's first TikTok post, sent by his new account TeamBundeskanzler (Team Chancellor), is a video set to plodding bassoon music that shows a briefcase on a couch before panning over to the German leader sitting at his desk. "The Federal Press Office is expanding its range of information for citizens who are increasingly using TikTok to find out about and discuss politics," a statement from government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said.

Scholz's TikTok presence is aimed at young people in particular, according to the statement. By late morning on Monday, Scholz's account had 615 followers, still a far cry from the over 411,000 followers boasted by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is very active on the platform.

2024 is an election-heavy year in Germany, with polls scheduled for the European Parliament in June as well as for three state parliaments in the east in September, with the AfD hoping for major gains.

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