Gen Z is Shaking Up Politics: The Story of Nina Skočak

From likes to votes: Croatia Gen Z influencer goes for EU seat

From Vintage Fashion to the Ballot Box: A Gen Z Revolution in Croatia

The Story of Nina Skočak

Politics has often been perceived as a domain reserved for seasoned professionals with decades of experience. But in 2024, Nina Skočak, a 26-year-old Croatian influencer, is rewriting the script. She is known for her vintage fashion tutorials. She also provides makeup tips. Now, she has ventured into a completely different sphere: the European Parliament elections.

“This is an experiment to see if it’s even possible, no one has ever done it,” Skočak told AFP. And indeed, her journey is groundbreaking. She is heading Croatia’s first-ever independent Gen Z electoral list. She has assembled a team of 12 candidates aged 19 to 30. They represent a fresh wave of youth in politics.

Skočak is more than just a social media personality. She has a master’s degree in European politics. She interned in the European Parliament. She’s well-versed in the political arena. She now works on Europe’s Horizon research programme, which supports scientists aiming for significant breakthroughs.

But it’s her approach to campaigning that truly sets her apart. “We didn’t use traditional methods,” she explained. “Instead, we went to cafes and bars and collected signatures there. People came to have a drink and to give us a signature.” By tapping into her social media following, she quickly gathered the required 5,000 signatures to register her candidacy, ultimately securing 8,500.

Speaking the Language of Gen Z

“Young people today prefer their own channels to traditional party structures,” Skočak said. She’s not wrong. Her campaign strategy combines digital savvy with in-person connections. Skočak engages her followers through TikTok pop quizzes. She also meets potential voters at flea markets and bars. In doing so, she bridges the gap between politics and youth culture.

This innovative approach aligns with the sentiments of Marijana Grbesa, a political science professor at Zagreb University. “There will be more of this since the key message from young people is, ‘We don’t want you talking about us, we want you to talk to us,’” she told AFP.

While young people are often accused of being apathetic toward politics, Grbesa believes this isn’t entirely correct. “They are not interested in politics in a way that politicians talk to them,” she insisted. Skočak’s campaign directly addresses this disconnect by using relatable and accessible techniques to mobilize her peers.

A Mission Beyond Election Day

For Skočak, the campaign is not just about winning a seat. It’s also about educating and empowering young voters. Through her videos, she simplifies complex electoral processes and encourages first-time voters to join. Many of her followers have expressed gratitude for her efforts. Some have even stated that they will vote for the first time thanks to her.

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“She tries to mobilize young people,” Grbesa noted. And the need for this mobilization is clear. Surveys show that 71% of young Croatians understand little or nothing about the EU. This is in contrast to a 55% average across Europe. This lack of understanding underscores the importance of Skočak’s educational efforts.

Advocating for Youth Representation

At now, only three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are under 30. Skočak believes this needs to change. “Young people bring a different viewpoint in policy-making. This is definitely lacking,” she argued. Her Gen Z list—seven women and five men—aims to tackle this gap. Their manifesto highlights key issues like youth involvement in politics, internet safety, sustainable policies, and women’s rights.

The team also advocates for lowering the voting age to 16 and introducing youth quotas in elections. Skočak is determined to counter Croatia’s right-wing political shift. She proves that young people have a significant role in shaping the future. This is especially true for young women.

The Power of Social Media

As the EU elections approach, Skočak’s campaign serves as a testament to the power of social media in modern politics. “Maybe only a hundred people will turn out to vote, or maybe a hundred thousand will,” she said, emphasizing the unpredictable but transformative potential of digital mobilization.

Whether or not Nina Skočak secures a seat in the European Parliament, her campaign has already succeeded. It inspires young people to engage with politics on their own terms. By blending the worlds of social media and governance, she’s proving that the voices of Gen Z can—and should—be heard.

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