Fake News and Political Campaigns: Croatia's Local Elections Under Scrutiny

Local Croatian Elections: A Look at the Rise of Inauthentic Political Campaigns on Social Media The recent local elections in Croatia have seen a surge in political campaigning on social media, but a new report by RTL Direkt raises concerns about the authenticity of these efforts. The report, which includes interviews with political analysts and ordinary citizens, reveals a disturbing trend of candidates presenting themselves in a way that is far removed from reality. "The biggest problem with candidates is their lack of authenticity," says Petar Tanta, a communications expert featured in the RTL Direkt video. "They're all trying too hard to be funny, and it often falls flat." The report offers several examples of candidates using social media to create a false image of themselves. One candidate, a 27-year-old from Split, promised a "paid grandma service" in his campaign. Another candidate made promises of free kindergartens, new roads, and more parking spaces, without a clear plan for how to achieve these goals. The video also highlights the short attention spans of voters in the age of social media. "With our short attention spans," says Ivan Rimac, another political analyst, "it's hard for candidates to make a real connection with voters." The RTL Direkt report serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of inauthentic political campaigning. It emphasizes the importance of candidates connecting with voters in a genuine and meaningful way, rather than relying on superficial tactics and unrealistic promises.