The Slovak government has demanded a formal explanation from the UK over claims that British-funded social media influencers were active in Slovakia ahead of its 2023 parliamentary elections. (source: Pexels)
The Slovak government has demanded a formal explanation from the UK over claims that British-funded social media influencers were active in Slovakia ahead of its 2023 parliamentary elections.
Following a meeting in Bratislava on Wednesday, the British Embassy pledged to provide a full account of its activities by the end of August. The Slovak Foreign Ministry said it would assess the response before deciding on any further steps.
At the centre of the row is an alleged contract between the UK Foreign Office and Zinc Network, a London-based communications agency. According to Slovak officials, the contract involved recruiting influencers to boost youth participation in elections. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has called on Britain to disclose whether other similar agreements exist, name the influencers involved, reveal the content they produced, and detail how much they were paid.
Blanár also demanded to know whether the contract is still active, urging the UK to suspend it immediately if so. “We’ve asked specific questions and expect clear answers,” he said. “This is about transparency between allies.”
The Foreign Office has denied trying to influence the election result or support any political party, insisting the campaign aimed only to promote democratic participation among young people.
Still, the Slovak ministry has raised concerns over what it sees as possible foreign interference in its domestic affairs. “Slovakia values its relationship with the United Kingdom,” said Blanár, “but mutual trust requires full disclosure.”
The controversy follows claims made by Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday, who cited a report by disinformation site Marker.sk. Drawing on research by Declassified UK, the report alleged that British-funded influencers were used to undermine Fico’s Smer party and support its liberal rival Progressive Slovakia.
