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It is what PVDA-PTB does, for example. That party opts for videos about social themes. Politicians address viewers directly or post short fragments of their interventions in parliament. For example, Jan Busselen posted a 47-second video in which he denounces the Brussels housing crisis in parliament.
“That works very well,” says journalist Ine Holmstock, who researched politicians on TikTok for her master’s thesis last year. “They behave like any other TikTok user, by simply filming themselves. While they discuss topics that concern young people, such as free public transport and study costs.”
It is certainly interesting for politicians themselves to use the social medium, says Holmstock. Although there are ethical questions to ask. “It often concerns very short pieces, where there is no response and context. This way, young people can get the wrong idea about what is happening in the world.”
Vlaams Belang also opts for shorter videos, especially on the theme of migration, says Holmstock. “For example, Tom Van Grieken posted a 30-second video of a fight at the Klein Kasteeltje. That has a very polarizing effect, and we do not get to see the context around it.”
: TikTok){kind=link}