A German politician decided to look for voters on Tinder
The Christian Democratic Union’s candidate for prime minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has decided to use Tinder in his election campaign. With one month to go before the state elections, the politician is trying to attract voters in an unconventional way amid low poll numbers.
Daniel Peters has faced criticism from rival parties, but he argues that this is not much different from using other social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook.
“I’m interested in your life. Let’s discuss what needs to be improved,” Peters writes on a platform where people typically look for a potential partner, not their favorite politician.
To avoid any misunderstandings, a party spokesperson in this northeastern federal state emphasized that the 45-year-old politician is “happily married and not looking for dates.”
Peters noted that his presence on Tinder helps him engage with voters, adding that the number of responses is in the triple digits and is generally positive.
“This format is perceived as entertaining and informative,” he said.
Peters and his team appear to be facing an uphill battle, even in their relatively modest goal of improving on the disappointing 13% of the vote they received five years ago.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is one of three states where elections for a new state parliament will take place next month. Polls indicate that the CDU is fighting hard for votes in this state, which has never been a particularly favorable ground for the party.
According to most polls, support for this center-right party stands at around 10%, compared to 13.3% in 2021. “Alternative for Germany” appears set to become the most popular party in the state, overtaking the Social Democrats (SPD) and taking first place, though it will not secure the majority needed to form a government.
Since Germany’s leading parties adhere to a policy of refusing to cooperate with the AfD—the so-called “firewall”—the far-right party is unlikely to be able to form a government in this state.
The vote will take place on September 20.
DW reports this.
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