President Pellegrini Denies Paying Influencers for Support Amid Corruption Allegations

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has denied allegations that he requested support from social media influencers and paid them for promotional content. The controversy emerged after influencer Zuzana Strausz Plačková revealed information about the alleged scheme. Opposition parties have dismissed Pellegrini's denials, describing the payments as "black financing" - referring to undisclosed or illegal campaign funding. The case may hinge on testimony that Plačková could provide to police about an unnamed acquaintance who allegedly offered money in exchange for supporting Pellegrini. The allegations raise questions about transparency in political campaigning and the use of social media influencers in Slovak politics.