Klemen Boštjančič: Luka Mesec has not introduced a single d from Vienna in housing policy

Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Jankovic faces his first serious electoral challenge in two decades, with recent polls indicating he could face a second round against left-wing rival Luka Mesec. The 74-year-old incumbent, who has led the capital for twenty years, currently leads in public opinion surveys but confronts a field of challengers largely aligned with the political left. This shift introduces new dynamics into the local race, raising questions about whether fragmented leftist opposition will inadvertently secure Jankovic’s position or result in a genuine change of leadership at City Hall. The primary challenger is Luka Mesec, former coordinator of the Left party. His candidacy in Ljubljana, traditionally a left-leaning environment, sparks debate among analysts. Some argue that multiple candidates on the left split the vote, thereby helping Jankovic retain power. Others view it as a sincere attempt to replace the long-serving mayor. Jankovic has governed through a centralized structure relying on a stable team of directors in public companies, municipal administration, and a wide network of business partners. It remains unclear if rivals can disrupt this entrenched system. A poll conducted by agency Ninamedia for the newspaper Dnevnik, published on October 16, 2026, shows Jankovic leading with 34.6 percent support under the banner of Vasja Butina and a group of voters. Mesec follows in second place with 21 percent. Anton Rop of the Ljubljana We Are All movement holds third place with 8.2 percent. Ales Primc of Voice for Children and Families has 6.2 percent, while Klemen Boshtancic of the Freedom Movement stands at 5.2 percent. Ales Vrhovec of the Slovenian Democratic Party records 4.6 percent. Other candidates, including Jasmin Feratovic and Aleksandar Repic, each hold less than 4 percent. Marko Koprivec of the Social Democrats was not included in this specific measurement. Political observers point to complex maneuvering within the left bloc. Candidates such as Mesec and Rop highlight urban issues like housing shortages, drinking water quality, and traffic policy to attract voters seeking change after twenty years of Jankovic’s rule. However, Boshtancic’s campaign appears tactically positioned to draw votes primarily from Rop and Mesec rather than Jankovic. Two members of parliament from the Freedom Movement run on Jankovic’s council list. Furthermore, Prime Minister Robert Golob’s partner, Tina Gaber, publicly supported Jankovic on social media. Analysts suggest the Freedom Movement would likely back the incumbent in a potential runoff. Data regarding a hypothetical second round reveals a paradox where right-wing voters might prove decisive. If Jankovic faced Mesec, the gap between them would narrow. Mesec would count on votes from the Left, some supporters of Rop, and portions of the Freedom Movement and Social Democrat bases. Despite Ljubljana’s traditional leanings, supporters of the Slovenian Democratic Party, Nova Slovenija, and Voice for Children and Families could determine the outcome. Surveys indicate these voters find the Left party’s platform unacceptable, meaning they might abstain or choose differently in a runoff. Candidates recently discussed allegations that Mesec and Boshtancic effectively ensure Jankovic’s re-election. Boshtancic denied being a satellite candidate for the mayor. He noted that city councillors from his party did not criticize Jankovic during the previous term but supported him in all matters. Additionally, two deputies from the Freedom Movement appear on Jankovic’s list. When asked to comment, Rop avoided direct response, stating he was not the right person for such assessments. He added that it seems clear the current mayor is leaving and can be defeated, though he questioned what tricks might be used to prevent this. Primc assessed that Rop and his team are part of Jankovic’s network. Mojca Sojar commented that if the speculation is true, it actually favors Mesec and Boshtancic. During interviews, candidates addressed the lack of affordable housing and high real estate prices. Primc pointed to the large number of foreigners in Ljubljana influencing the housing market. They were also asked which projects should be reviewed upon Jankovic’s departure. Topics included the Ilirija pool project, the C0 sewage network built without proper permits, and a 20-year concession agreement worth nearly half a billion euros signed with Serbian company KPL and Public Lighting. Questions arose regarding the sale of municipal land to a Serbian tycoon linked to Jankovic’s son, Jure Jankovic, who resides permanently in Belgrade. Jankovic met personally with tycoon Nikola Petrovic multiple times but did not report these meetings to the anti-corruption commission, assessing them as non-lobbying contacts. Critics question whether projects like the Nordic Center, circular boat route along the Ljubljanica river, waste incinerator, and underground parking garage serve public interest or individual profit. All interviewed guests opposed the waste incinerator project, which health experts also contest due to health risks. Rop identified the Stozice project as the mother of all scandals in the city. Traffic congestion and parking shortages remain daily issues. Boshtancic suggested using European funds and European Investment Bank resources, noting that unused funds exist because their financing requires strict oversight that prevents corruption stories. Rop, formerly vice-president of the EIB, disclosed further details on this topic.