The short answer: Elected representatives may use parliamentary resources to inform the public about their parliamentary work, but may not use those same resources for election campaigning or party advertising. Separating the parliamentary role, the party and the individual is the most important rule in political social media work. Breaches can lead to repayment demands, administrative reviews and headlines.
Members of our team have worked in federal and state parliamentary offices. We know the approval processes, the grey areas and the questions every parliamentary office asks before publishing its first reel. Here are the key answers.
Note: This article is not legal advice. If in doubt, discuss specific cases with the Bundestag administration, the relevant state parliament administration or a legal adviser.
Can parliamentary group funds be used for social media?
Yes, but only for public communication about parliamentary work. Parliamentary groups may use public funds to inform people about their initiatives, positions and parliamentary proceedings. They may not use them for party activities or election advertising. The German Members of Parliament Act has been clarified on this point. Stricter standards apply in the six weeks before a federal election: public communication then needs a specific parliamentary occasion.
In practice, a video about a speech in the chamber is acceptable. A video calling on people to vote for a party and displaying its logo, paid for with parliamentary group funds, is not.
Can staff in a parliamentary office work on social media?
Yes, provided it serves parliamentary work. Staff paid from the staffing allowance may manage a parliamentary account, clip speeches, explain motions and answer constituents' questions. They may not campaign during paid working hours. The Bundestag administration explicitly excludes activities unrelated to parliamentary work from reimbursement. Many offices manage this through separate time records or by limiting campaign work to free time or work paid for by the party.
Can elected representatives earn money from social media?
Not from content arising from their parliamentary role. Monetising parliamentary content, such as speeches in plenary sessions, is not permitted. Representatives earning income as creators alongside their mandate are subject to the rules and disclosure requirements for outside activities. Administrative practice in this area continues to develop.
What rules apply to photos and videos taken in parliament?
The Bundestag has its own filming rules for its buildings. Filming permissions are handled by the press office, and special restrictions apply in the plenary chamber. Footage from parliamentary television streams can be used for parliamentary work. Anyone planning regular production in the Bundestag or a state parliament should clarify the arrangements in advance to avoid repeated discussions.
What should elected representatives look for in an agency?
Discretion and knowledge of the rules. An agency unfamiliar with political processes may produce a good video that you cannot publish or that is paid for from the wrong budget. Ask whether the team has worked for elected representatives, understands the distinction between parliamentary and party communication, and keeps client names confidential. We can answer yes to the first two. The third explains why there's no list of names here.
Find more selection criteria in Choosing a Social Media Agency in Augsburg.
Article FAQ
Can an elected representative use TikTok?
Yes. There is no personal ban on elected representatives using particular platforms. Restrictions may apply to official devices. What matters is how the content is funded and the capacity in which it is published.
Who may pay for a social media video for an elected representative?
That depends on the content. Within the applicable rules, parliamentary content can be funded through office resources or the staffing allowance. Campaign content must be funded by the party or from personal resources. The invoice must reflect the purpose of the content.
What happens if the rules are breached?
Possible consequences include demands to repay improperly used funds, administrative investigations and public reporting.