Tiktok drives left, which may surprise in the elections in Germany

Thousands of tiktok shared political videos in recent weeks have boosted leftist parties in Germany and can influence the result of the parliamentary elections of 23 February.

The platform has become a decisive space for the mobilization of young voters, favoring subtitles such as Greens, the left (Die Linke) and the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW).

The digital growth of the left occurs in a scenario where conservative parties, such as Friedrich Merz’s Democratic-Christian Union (CDU), and Alice Weidel’s far right (AFD), find it difficult to adapt their speech. to the dynamic format of the network.

Posts criticizing CDU for its approach to AFD and promoting progressive policies have viralized, reaching millions of views.

Research indicates that between 3% and 5% of young voters can be directly influenced by Tiktok, a percentage that can alter the balance of forces in Bundestag. For smaller parties such as BSW, the platform has been an essential tool for winning voters disillusioned with traditional parties.

CDU and AFD, which lead the research, maintain a shy presence at Tiktok. While Merz bets on television speeches and traditional press, Weidel focuses on his communication on Telegram and X (former Twitter), where his most radical base focuses. The SPD, from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, seeks to recover ground with videos that defend their economic policy and criticize the advance of the far right.

The last survey of the Insa Institute, released on Saturday (8), points out that CDU/CSU maintains the lead with 29%of voting intentions, followed by AFD (21%) and SPD (16%). Greens appear with 12%, BSW has 6%, the left adds 5%, while the Democratic Liberal Party (FDP) struggles to reach the 5%needed to enter Bundestag.

Experts indicate that the growth of progressive Tiktok parties can be decisive in the final stretch, especially in the mobilization of indecisive. “The dispute is not closed. Digital engagement can be a surprise factor for parties that need to gain visibility, ”an analyst told Der Spiegel.

Although online presence is a powerful tool, it remains to be seen if digital engagement will become votes. This Sunday’s elections (23) will test Tiktok’s real impact on German politics and can redefine future electoral strategies.

If the left can surprise, the influence of social networks can gain even more protagonism on the country’s political scenario.