Main content

How the far right is using TikTok in Germany

The Alternative für Deutschland party (AfD) uses viral content to reach young people.

In June Europeans will go to the polls to decide the make-up of the next European Parliament. Far-right parties are expected to make significant gains in several countries, including Germany — the most populous country in the European Union.

Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) — Germany’s most popular far-right party — have been using social media, especially TikTok, to appeal to younger voters. Their political rivals, including Chancellor Olaf Sholz and his Social Democratic Party, are now playing catch-up when it comes to TikTok.

The 91Èȱ¬â€™s Kristina Volk explains who the AfD are and describes some of the controversies surrounding them during the current election campaign. TikTok specialist Marcus Bösch describes the growth of the AfD on the platform. And we hear from Maggy Hess, who started the #ReclaimTiktok campaign, which makes viral content to counter the influence of the AfD.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Maria Clara Montoya, William Lee Adams
Editor: Verity Wilde

Available now

12 minutes

Last on

Wed 29 May 2024 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 28 May 2024 17:50GMT
  • Wed 29 May 2024 02:50GMT

Podcast