Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused the UK Foreign Office of funding an influence campaign against his party during the 2023 parliamentary elections.
According to Fico, the UK government signed a contract worth nearly £10 million with the London-based Zinc Network to support political activism in Central and Eastern Europe, including Slovakia. The campaign is alleged to have favoured the Progressive Slovakia party (PS).
Fico called it “deliberate and targeted interference by a foreign power, which is also our NATO ally.” He noted that the UK Foreign Office has not denied the report, only stating that it supports democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
In response, Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned British Ambassador Nigel Baker for clarification. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár warned that if the explanation is unsatisfactory, Slovakia may take further steps—including publishing the names of those allegedly involved. However, he emphasised that the aim is not to escalate tensions, but to ensure transparency.
The British government is reportedly covertly funding political content creators—including on platforms like YouTube—with the aim of influencing elections abroad, particularly by targeting young voters.
State Secretary Marek Eštok said Slovakia plans to raise the issue at the EU level, possibly through the EU–UK Relations Council. The European Commission will also be asked to assess the matter as a potential case of hybrid threats and foreign electoral interference, with discussions expected during EU debates in September.
