Who's running for mayor in Kobarid?

In the town of Kobarid, two candidates have officially announced their intention to run for mayor during this year’s local elections. The incumbent mayor, Marko Matajurc, has confirmed his candidacy with support from his political list, while David Rozman has also declared his bid, backed by signatures from voters. Former mayor Robert Kavčič is still considering whether to run again, with a decision expected by the end of summer. The election will mark another chapter in the ongoing political dynamics of the municipality, which has been characterized by disputes between the mayor and members of the municipal council. The current mayor, Matajurc, plans to seek a third consecutive term, supported by his party. His predecessor, Kavčič, served as mayor from 2014 to 2018 and again from 2006 to 2010. During the intervening years, the municipality was led by Darja Hauptman from the SDS party. Matajurc won the last election in the second round, facing off against the former mayor Kavčič. Kavčič, however, is still contemplating a potential return to office, though he has not yet made a final decision. Matajurc has outlined several key projects he intends to complete if elected, including the construction of cycling paths, infrastructure improvements in Breginj, Trnov ob Soči, and Drežnica, residential building projects, and enhanced road access from Kobarid to the main highway. These initiatives aim to improve both local living conditions and economic opportunities within the region. David Rozman, who announced his candidacy in June, cited dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the municipality and the non-implementation of certain decisions by the municipal council as primary motivations for his campaign. He emphasized the need for additional funding and closer collaboration with neighboring municipalities and regional authorities. Rozman also advocated for creating a more welcoming environment for residents, ensuring they feel secure and satisfied with local governance. The municipal council currently consists of representatives from eight political parties and lists, totaling 16 councilors. The majority come from the Slovenian People's Party (SLS), with four members. Three represent the Social Democracy Party (SDS), and the mayor’s list, “Za vodo,” has two members. There are also two members from the National Liberal Party (NSi), one each from the Freedom Movement, Independent List Darko Smrekar, Smrk and Friends, Robert Kavčič’s list, and the Slovenian Democratic Party (SD). Tensions between Mayor Matajurc and the municipal council have escalated, leading to a situation where seven council members have decided not to attend future meetings of the municipal council until open issues are resolved. This means the council is now considered dysfunctional, as two other councilors have also opted out of participating in sessions. The reasons given for the obstruction include the mayor’s alleged disregard for council decisions, with council members claiming that Matajurc undermines resolutions through formal or informal delays and repeated reconsiderations, thereby enforcing his own decisions. Among the unresolved issues are at least ten instances of unimplemented council decisions. One recent example involves a proposal for the construction of nine apartments, for which the municipality already obtained a building permit. Earlier disputes included disagreements over shared permits for navigation along the Soča River and the construction of a cycling path towards the Italian border. These conflicts highlight the complex and often contentious nature of local governance in Kobarid, setting the stage for a highly anticipated and potentially contentious election.