Police Investigate Possible UK Interference in 2023 Slovak Elections

Bratislava, 30 July (TASR) – Police are investigating possible suspicions of interference in the Slovak political situation ahead of the 2023 parliamentary elections by the United Kingdom, according to a social media post released by the police. The police are working closely with several state bodies, including intelligence services. „Police are verifying information related to the unauthorised use of financial resources from EU funds for political activities. They are also investigating the financing of legal and natural persons from abroad with respect to the possible influencing of the political situation in Slovakia,” the statement read. It was added that the scope of the investigation has been expanded, based on media reports, to include potential interference by the United Kingdom in the run-up to the 2023 parliamentary elections. On Tuesday (29 July), the Prime Minister claimed that the UK’s Foreign Office had paid so-called influencers through a media agency to sway the 2023 Slovak parliamentary elections against Smer-SD and in favour of Progressive Slovakia (PS). He cited an article published by the news portal marker.sk. The UK’s diplomatic mission has promised to explain its activities related to the alleged influence on the Slovak parliamentary elections in 2023. Information is expected to be provided during August. Slovakia will then evaluate the UK’s response and decide on further steps. mf/mcs