In recent weeks, Ljubljana has faced significant challenges as its long-standing mayor, Zoran Janković, faces growing scrutiny over his leadership and policies. The city, which has been under his governance for two decades, is now grappling with public discontent, particularly after a major flood incident that exposed vulnerabilities in the urban infrastructure. This situation raises questions about whether Janković’s dominance in local politics remains unchallenged, especially following organized opposition from residents of Štepanjsko settlement who protested against new parking regulations. These protests marked one of the first large-scale demonstrations against Janković's long-term vision for the city's development.
The controversy surrounding Janković intensified when a referendum on parking reforms was held, leading to widespread criticism of the measures implemented. Despite this, Janković expressed confidence in his position, stating he does not fear any potential defeat and emphasized that his team would present their plan based on two decades of groundwork. He acknowledged that the protest in Štepanjsko did not reflect positively on him but insisted these were still his voters. Additionally, Janković defended the controversial project of building the C0 channel, asserting that it had legal construction permits and remained a vital investment for Europe, Slovenia, and Ljubljana. However, the new government led by Janez Janša announced a review of the project, prompting further debate and uncertainty.
Janković also addressed changes in legislation, such as the ban on voting in local elections for citizens of other countries living in Slovenia permanently. He argued that these laws were directly aimed at him, though he maintained that he had previously worked constructively with ministers from previous Janša governments to benefit the city and its inhabitants. His responses to media inquiries have been notably defensive, with some outlets suggesting he avoided direct answers during interviews.
In response to the recurring flooding issues affecting several underpasses in Ljubljana, including those on Dunajska, Šmartinska, and Celovska streets, Janković proposed the installation of traffic lights to alert drivers when water levels reach dangerous thresholds. He explained that while efforts were made to address the problems, such as creating retention basins and using pumps, these solutions proved insufficient during intense rainfall. The installation of traffic lights, according to Janković, would provide a crucial warning system, allowing drivers to wait until conditions improve before proceeding.
The recent heavy rainfalls highlighted the inadequacy of existing drainage systems, despite a 2.5 million euro renovation project aimed at preventing such issues. Officials from MOL noted that the intensity of the storm overwhelmed the drainage capacity, causing water to accumulate in areas where it could not be immediately removed. They emphasized that the challenge lies in adapting infrastructure to increasingly frequent and severe weather events, which are becoming more common due to climate change.
As Ljubljana continues to face these environmental and political challenges, the future of Janković’s leadership remains uncertain. With upcoming local elections approaching, the opposition's growing influence and public dissatisfaction could potentially reshape the political landscape of the capital city. The effectiveness of proposed solutions, such as the implementation of traffic lights and continued improvements to the drainage system, will be critical in determining whether Janković can maintain his grip on power or if a new era of governance is on the horizon.
10 reports
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 6516 days agoThe article discusses challenges facing longtime mayor Zoran Janković ahead of upcoming local elections, particularly after organized opposition from residents of Štepanjska settlement against his parking policy. Janković remains confident in his support despite the resistance and outlines his vision for Ljubljana through 2045. He criticizes the idea of a referendum on urban development projects like the C0 canal, arguing it would not change outcomes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Janković's position and the opposition to his policies without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from Janković and mentions the opposition but does not editorialize or emphasize one perspective over another.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 65): The article provides specific details about Zoran Janković's position and statements regarding the upcoming elections, the Stepanjsko neighborhood protest, and the C0 canal project. These claims align with the cross-source consensus. However, the tone leans toward supporting Janković’s perspective,
+Portal (Portal Plus)IndependentLeftFactual 70Objective 5015 days agoThe article discusses Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković's response to questions from Uroš Slak during an evening broadcast of '24ur'. Janković reportedly answered very directly, but said he does not know and has not spoken about the issue. The article references a video from '24ur zvečer' and criticizes the commenting system on +Portal for limiting spam and aggressive content.
Bias read (Left): The article uses critical language such as 'panično rešuje rejtinge' (panicking to save ratings), which implies negative judgment towards Janković's actions. It also frames his direct answer as evasive ('povedal ni nič'), suggesting skepticism toward his responses. This framing leans left by critiqu
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 50): The article contains strong subjective language such as 'panicking over ratings after a referendum fiasco' and lacks specific details about the referendum itself. This significantly affects both factual accuracy and objectivity.
DnevnikIndependent🔒Right10 days agoThe City of Ljubljana has presented a vision for the city's development up to 2045, which includes various projects aimed at transforming Ljubljana into a 'super city.' The initiative was accompanied by the release of a publication and an exhibition titled 'Supermesto.' In response, the Civic Initiative for Ljubljana (CILJ) criticized the plan, stating that it presents Ljubljana's development almost exclusively through the perspective of the current mayor's administration. CILJ emphasized that the vision appears to be designed solely through the eyes of Mayor Zoran Janković, suggesting he intends to implement his own vision for the next two decades.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the criticism of the mayor's vision as a warning that the current leadership's plans will dominate the city's future for nearly two decades. It uses phrases like 'we must thank the citizens' and implies that the mayor's personal ambitions are being realized through this plan, with
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenter10 days agoThe Ljubljana City Council plans to install traffic lights at flood-prone underpasses in the city, according to Mayor Zoran Janković. These underpasses frequently flood during heavy rains, causing significant traffic disruptions. While some solutions like drainage pits and pumps have been implemented, they prove ineffective during intense rainfall. The city has agreed with the national government on which underpasses will receive the traffic lights, with Ljubljana responsible for two locations. Installation is expected next month, pending coordination with police and finalizing technical details. Janković urged drivers to avoid entering flooded underpasses during severe rain events.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about infrastructure planning by local authorities, quoting the mayor directly without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It describes the problem, proposed solution, and implementation timeline neutrally, without emphasizing any particular stance
VečerIndependent🔒Center10 days agoThe mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, announced plans to install traffic lights at flood-prone underpasses in the city. These traffic lights will activate when water reaches a certain level, stopping vehicles for 10–15 minutes to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. The city has four underpasses that frequently flood during heavy rains, with two managed by the municipality (on Drenikova and Celovška streets) and two by the state (Zaloška and Dunajska streets). While drainage systems have been installed on Dunajska street, they proved ineffective during recent severe floods. On Celovška street, efforts will focus on creating underground retention basins to redirect water flow. Installation of the traffic lights is expected to begin next month after technical specifications are finalized and coordination with police is completed. Janković urged drivers to avoid entering flooded underpasses during intense rain events.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about infrastructure planning and municipal responses to flooding. It includes direct quotes from the mayor and describes the technical measures being considered without overtly favoring any political stance or ideology. There is no evident loaded language, o
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter10 days agoIn response to recent flooding incidents in Ljubljana, Mayor Zoran Janković announced plans to install traffic lights at four frequently flooded underpasses, including those on Drenikova and Celovška streets. The city has agreed with the national government to divide responsibilities for addressing flood issues, with the municipality handling two underpasses and the state managing others. Despite efforts such as installing pumps on Dunajska Street, heavy rainfall overwhelmed these measures, causing traffic disruptions and forcing buses to halt. Janković emphasized that the new traffic lights would activate once water levels reach a certain threshold, prompting drivers to wait for 10–15 minutes. Additionally, the city plans to create drainage pits on Celovška Street to channel water underground. Implementation is expected within the next month, pending technical coordination with police.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about infrastructure planning and municipal responses to flooding, quoting the mayor directly without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It does not favor any political side but focuses on practical solutions and administrative coordination.
Siol.netState / PublicCenter10 days agoThe Ljubljana City Council plans to install traffic lights at flood-prone underpasses, particularly along Celovska Street and Drenikova Street, to manage water flow during heavy rains. Mayor Zoran Janković explained that four underpasses have experienced flooding issues over the past five years, with the city responsible for two of them. While efforts such as installing pumps on Dunajska Street have been made, they proved insufficient during intense rainfall. The city aims to implement traffic lights that will activate once water reaches a certain level, prompting drivers to wait for 10–15 minutes. However, the exact activation method and coordination with police remain pending. Janković also urged drivers to avoid entering flooded underpasses during severe rain.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about infrastructure planning by the local government and includes direct quotes from the mayor. There is no evident ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. It provides both the city’s actions and limitations, maintaining neutrality.
Žurnal24IndependentCenter10 days agoThe Ljubljana City Council plans to install traffic lights at flood-prone underpasses on Drenikova and Celovska streets to address recurring flooding issues during heavy rains. These underpasses have experienced problems over the past five years, particularly during intense rainfall events. The mayor, Zoran Janković, explained that while drainage systems exist, they are insufficient during severe storms. The city has agreed with the national government to divide responsibilities, with Ljubljana handling Drenikova and Celovska streets, while the state manages Zaloška and Dunajska streets. Traffic lights will activate once water reaches a certain level, prompting drivers to wait for 10–15 minutes before proceeding.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about infrastructure planning and municipal coordination without overtly favoring any political stance. It includes direct quotes from the mayor and describes technical solutions without ideological framing.
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenter10 days ago After a $2.5 million renovation of an underwater tunnel, what is the response of the Ljubljana Municipality?In Ljubljana, heavy rainfall caused flooding at several underpasses, including newly renovated ones, leading to vehicles being trapped in water. The city's drainage system was overwhelmed by the sudden volume of rainwater, despite recent investments in infrastructure worth €2.5 million aimed at preventing such issues. Officials from MOL explained that intense storms created excessive pressure on the drainage network, causing delays in water removal. On Celovška Street, additional challenges arose due to mud and debris blocking drainage, but ongoing improvements like new stormwater channels aim to reduce future risks. Meanwhile, the drainage system performed better on Zaloška Street, though officials note increasing climate-related challenges require adaptive measures.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about infrastructure failures during extreme weather, citing official explanations from MOL without overtly favoring any political stance. It focuses on technical aspects of drainage systems rather than political blame or ideological framing.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter13 days ago In Ljubljana, the subway was flooded and the bypass was flooded.A heavy downpour flooded the underpasses and caused significant traffic disruptions in Ljubljana, including the northern ring road. The flooding made it difficult for people to reach their destinations, with reports of cars being stuck in water and buses halting due to the conditions. Despite these challenges, the organizers of Joker Out's concert at Kardeljeva Square proceeded with the event, which was held to commemorate the band's tenth anniversary. The severe weather affected multiple areas, including Dunajska, Šmartinska, and Celovska streets, with some underpasses frequently experiencing flooding during heavy rains.
Bias read (Center): The article covers a natural disaster and its impact on infrastructure and public events. It provides factual information about the flooding and its effects without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political entity or ideology. There is no indication of loaded language, one-sided sourcing,
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
Slovenia
