Beyond politics: The most embarrassing TikTok moments of Hungarian politicians
Nowadays, you can’t imagine everyday life without social media. The vast majority of people have at least one account, whether that be Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Politicians are no exception, they have long been active on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. However, with the rapid evolution of technology, more and more politicians are jumping on the TikTok bandwagon.
TikTok offers a unique opportunity for politicians to connect with younger audiences and share their messages in a more relatable way. It’s also a chance for the public to see a different, often more personal side of their leaders, beyond the typical polished campaign appearances or formal interviews.
In Hungary, the trend is no different. A growing number of politicians have started to make their presence felt on TikTok. While some of their videos have resonated well, others have missed the mark—some even verging on cringeworthy. So, let’s dive into the most awkward and uncomfortable TikTok moments from Hungarian politicians.
Viktor Orbán
Hungary’s Prime Minister primarily uses TikTok for two main purposes: responding to questions—usually the simpler ones that highlight his personality—and promoting the government’s political agenda. However, not every post hits the mark. Occasionally, a video or two misses the intended effect, leading to some awkward or questionable moments, like the following example:
@viktor_a_tiktokon Nindzsa kormány 🥷 #orbanviktor #miniszterelnok #follow #fyp #foryou #fidesz #nindzsakormány #ninja
In this short clip, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attempts to engage the younger generation by showcasing AI-generated ministers, paired with his voiceover. The response in the comments section, however, did not quite match his expectations. Reactions included comments like, “What is this?” and “I might have to move.” While there were some positive remarks, the ones that garnered the most attention and likes leaned more toward criticism and disapproval.
Alexandra Szentkirályi
Alexandra Szentkirályi, former government spokeswoman and Fidesz party member, is more active on TikTok than the Prime Minister and often focuses on issues affecting Budapest. However, this time, her video did not land as intended. In a post made during the recent flooding, she urged opposition politician Péter Magyar not to exploit the situation for political purposes. Ironically, she then spent the remaining 30 seconds criticizing him, turning the video into a politically charged statement itself. This shift in tone led to mixed reactions and gave the video an unintended twist.
@alexandra.szentkiralyi Most annak van itt az ideje, hogy politikai hangulatkeltés helyett mind együtt dolgozzunk az árvíz ellen. #segitunk #arviz #Budapest
Péter Magyar
Péter Magyar, President of Hungary’s largest opposition party and Member of the European Parliament, has mastered connecting with the younger generation on social media, as evident from his impressive view counts. However, despite his strong online presence, his attempt at AI-generated content did not quite hit the mark, coming off as more unsettling than engaging.
@magyarpeterofficial Vajon az ilyen videókkal mit akar a propaganda elérni? 😅 #magyarpéter #fy #fyp #theman
Ferenc Gyurcsány
Ferenc Gyurcsány, former Prime Minister of Hungary and current opposition politician, responds to a viewer’s question in the video below. While answering questions is not unusual of him, the issue here is that this particular response was filmed while he was driving. Instead of appearing relatable or laid-back, the video comes across as awkward and even a bit embarrassing.
@tiktokgyf Válasz @Irma Ádám részére
In the end, no matter which social media platform you browse, you are bound to come across videos that miss the mark. That does not mean politicians being active on TikTok is inherently negative. Their content can be entertaining and offer a more personal glimpse into who they are beyond politics. Beyond these examples, many other figures in the political arena have embraced TikTok, recognising it as an essential tool for engaging with voters and building a stronger connection with the public.
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