Popular Slovak influencer Filip “Jovinečko” Jovanovič in the past he said in , that before the presidential elections he was offered 25-30,000 for a post on Instagram in which he would support the candidate Petr Pellegrini. At the time, he did not want to specify which of the influencers should have phoned him with this offer, but on Tuesday he came with the information that the police summoned him.
The anti-corruption unit was supposed to start investigating suspicions of illegal financing of Pellegrini’s presidential campaign. Jovanovič should have stated before the investigator that in April 2024, influencer Zuzana Strausz Plačková (34) contacted him by phone. The well-known businesswoman should also have added that several well-known personalities will similarly support him. Plačková immediately reacted to these statements and retold her version on Instagram. You can find the full statement
After the case broke out, Jovineček’s ex-fiancée also commented on the whole matter Bianka Rumanováwho claimed that she should have even been there during the aforementioned phone call. “I knew this because the person in question asked for Filip’s contact from me. There was a phone call that was on voicemail, so I heard everything and can confirm it. I was shocked by it, by how many other names are associated with it.” said the influencer.
The head of state also broke his silence on Wednesday. Pellegrini denies paying influencers for their expressed support in the 2024 election campaign. He didn’t even ask for their support. According to him, people should make decisions in elections based on their opinion. Pellegrini announced this in a video on the social network.
“I believe that the police investigation will continue, I am absolutely not against it and it will be proven and shown live that someone is lying. Because I did not pay anyone before the election for influencing public opinion through influencers, and I will never pay.” announced the president.
The police confirmed to TASR that the case of Pellegrini’s campaign financing is being dealt with by the anti-corruption unit of the Office of the Fight Against Organized Crime of the Presidium of the Police Force. At the moment, according to the police, it is not possible to provide more detailed information, as it could disrupt or complicate the further progress in the case, especially when securing and evaluating evidence.
She added that she deals with every suggestion that indicates a possible violation of the law and examines all the circumstances related to the case, including those that are heard in the public space. “At the same time, all facts are checked regardless of whether they are in favor or against the persons concerned, in accordance with the principle of objectivity,” the police specified that, if the procedural situation allows, the public will be provided with adequate information.
