The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has opened a TikTok account, promising he will not be seen dancing on the social media platform popular with young people.
The newest official government channel “increases the information offer to citizens, who increasingly inform themselves and discuss politics on TikTok”, Scholz’s spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, said in a statement.
The account will offer “a look behind the scenes of everyday government life”, Hebestreit said.
Known for his sober style of leadership, the chancellor himself made light of the new outreach, on another social media channel. “I will not dance. Promised,” Scholz said on X.
Set to a teasing bassoon melody, his first TikTok video gave a tour of the chancellor’s office before showing Scholz at his desk.
Scholz becomes the latest western leader to join the Chinese-owned social media platform, despite widespread security concerns and worries over disinformation.
Joe Biden opened an account in February, in time for this year’s US presidential election, in a bid to reach younger voters.
Biden’s presence on the channel, however, did not prevent him from raising concerns about the ownership of the platform with the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, during a call this month.
Hebestreit said it was “by chance” the opening of the account came days before Scholz’s visit to China this weekend. He also said Scholz’s office had taken time to evaluate the platform before signing up.
