The month presented the municipal guidelines: The end of the one-man policy in Ljubljana

Luka Mesec, the candidate for mayor of Ljubljana, has unveiled four core policy directions aimed at transforming the city’s governance and addressing key challenges over the coming years. The announcement comes ahead of the autumn local elections, with Mesec positioning himself as a challenger to the current administration, which he claims has led the capital for two decades under a centralized leadership model. His proposals include free kindergartles in the first year of his term, stricter limits on short-term rental of apartments to tourists, and a shift toward community-driven decision-making. Mesec, who serves as the coordinator for the Left party, outlined his vision during a press conference, emphasizing the need for new standards of success and a new generation of leadership for Ljubljana. He described his four pillars of governance as follows: “Ljubljana, which we can afford,” focusing on economic sustainability; “A city we manage together,” promoting participatory democracy; “A traffic-efficient Ljubljana,” targeting improvements in mobility and public transport; and “A green and safe Ljubljana,” emphasizing environmental protection and security. One of the immediate measures Mesec proposed is the introduction of free kindergartens for all children in Ljubljana within the first year of his potential mayoral term. He emphasized that this would be the first educational institution accessible to parents under equal conditions, similar to compulsory schooling. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on families and ensure equitable access to early childhood education. Addressing housing issues, Mesec highlighted the doubling of property prices since 2015 and noted that around 14,000 vacant homes exist due to real estate being treated as an investment rather than a place of residence. To tackle this, he plans to introduce stricter regulations on short-term rentals through a new law on hospitality and tourism set to take effect in 2027. Under this law, platforms such as Airbnb will be limited to a maximum of 60 days per year for property rentals in Ljubljana. Mesec further proposed a municipal decree that could reduce this period to 30 days in the most problematic areas of the city, requiring neighbors' consent and proper permits before listing a home for rent. “A house is not an investment, nor is it an apartment for tourists. It must become a home for Ljubljana residents,” he stated. The second pillar of Mesec's plan focuses on decentralizing the city’s management structure. He pointed to the complexities surrounding parking in the Štefanjska neighborhood, which led to a referendum, as an example of the need for collaborative governance. Mesec announced that five percent of the city budget would be allocated permanently to neighborhoods and districts, enabling them to develop projects in partnership with local communities. “The city is not one person. We are all the city, and therefore, the city will not be managed solely by the mayor, but guided collectively,” he explained. On the issue of transportation, Mesec expressed concern over rising car traffic and declining public transport usage. He noted that daily motor vehicle trips have increased by 90,000 over the past eleven years, while the number of daily public transport users has dropped by 23,000. He also mentioned that Ljubljana lags behind other European cities in terms of cycling infrastructure, with only 11 percent of commuters using bicycles. To reverse these trends, Mesec proposed expanding P+R parking facilities at city entrances, clearly marking dedicated bus lanes, and offering free public transport on these routes. His success in traffic policy will be measured primarily by reducing travel time to the city center. Mesec’s fourth pillar centers on creating a greener and safer Ljubljana. While specific initiatives were not detailed, he stressed the importance of environmental sustainability and enhancing urban safety. His overall approach reflects a desire to move away from the current model of centralized control and toward a more inclusive, community-oriented governance system. The announcement marks a significant challenge to the existing administration, which has been in power for nearly two decades. Mesec’s campaign promises, particularly regarding housing affordability and participatory governance, resonate with many residents concerned about the city’s direction. As the election season approaches, his proposals are likely to shape the political discourse in Ljubljana, influencing voter preferences and potentially altering the city’s future trajectory.