The new European Parliament is set to welcome a group of social media stars with diverse backgrounds and motivations. These influencers have risen to political fame through their persuasive and edgy online presence, using platforms like YouTube and TikTok to attract followers. Among the newly elected MEPs are Fidias Panayiotou, a Cypriot YouTuber who admitted to knowing nothing about politics before his election but managed to secure an impressive share of the vote. Panayiotou’s controversial videos have garnered millions of views and subscribers, leading him to transition from an online personality to a politician advocating for youth engagement in politics.
Filip Turek, a Czech national MEP, is another influencer who has made the move to politics from a diverse background that includes graphic design, law, and professional racing. Despite his controversial past involving neo-Nazi affiliations, Turek’s party managed to secure seats in the European Parliament and he has expressed interest in joining the European Conservatives and Reformists group. Similarly, Alvise Pérez, a surprise candidate from Spain with a controversial reputation for his anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown views, has transitioned from a political influencer to founding his own right-wing, anti-establishment group. Despite facing legal claims, Pérez’s campaign was successful in securing votes from Spaniards, although he has announced that he will not be travelling to Brussels as an MEP.
Jordan Bardella, a member of the National Rally party in France, had a previous stint as a YouTuber before entering politics. Bardella’s social media presence, combined with his background in video games, helped him attract a large following on platforms like TikTok, appealing to French youth voters. The influence of social media on politics has become a topic of discussion, with experts noting the ability of political influencers to mobilize public anger and grievances into coherent messages that resonate with younger audiences. Social media platforms play a crucial role in engaging different age groups, with influencers effectively utilizing a combination of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to connect with their followers.
As traditional political actors underestimate the impact of social media influencers on the political landscape, these outsiders are gaining influence, particularly among those aged 40 and younger. These influencers have mastered the language of social media, effectively conveying messages that resonate with internet users critical of the established political system, parties, and government. While some of these influencers have faced controversies and legal challenges, their ability to engage with and mobilize their followers has propelled them into positions of political power within the European Parliament. The rise of social media influencers in politics reflects a shift in how political messages are communicated and received by the public, signaling the increasing importance of digital platforms in shaping political discourse and decision-making.
