Nuška Gajšek has confirmed her candidacy for a third term as head of Ptuj.

Nuška Gajšek has confirmed her candidacy for a third term as mayor of Ptuj ahead of the autumn local elections. The current mayor of the Municipality of Ptuj announced her intention to run again, reinforcing her position after more than a year of speculation. Gajšek emphasized that she had already made her decision before the political landscape had fully formed, stating that the only true support that matters is the backing of the residents. She expressed a desire to continue focusing on direct engagement with citizens, highlighting her consistent presence on the ground throughout the years rather than just during election campaigns. According to Gajšek, this visibility allows residents to assess the changes made over the past eight years and the improvements in quality of life in Ptuj. She added that while not everything can be achieved, there remains ample energy, ambition, and positive attitude to continue progress for another four years. Gajšek also addressed the emerging political competition in Ptuj, noting that in previous terms, she did not have a formal coalition within the municipal council. In her second term, some parties chose to define themselves as opposition, though she believes they still acted in the city's interest overall. Looking forward, she stressed the importance of cooperation regardless of who ends up sitting in the municipal council after the elections. “No matter how we look at it, after the elections, everyone will work for Ptuj and must collaborate one way or another,” she said. Gajšek criticized the idea of pre-election confrontations, arguing that such tactics would harm the community and were not aligned with her approach. Instead, she urged candidates to present themselves as potential collaborators rather than opponents, preserving the possibility of working together post-elections. The political race in Ptuj is already taking shape, with Janko Širec having declared his candidacy earlier this week. Širec received support from the SDS party and the movement Gibanje Svoboda, which presented its list under the name "Ptuj je naš." This trio plans to run on a joint municipal council list during the local elections. Širec’s announcement marks a clear challenge to Gajšek’s bid for a third term, setting the stage for a competitive campaign. His entry into the race indicates growing interest in alternative leadership directions for the municipality. In addition to Širec, the political landscape is set to evolve further as Andrej Čuš and his list prepare to make their decision public tomorrow. Čuš, known for his independent stance, could bring additional dynamics to the electoral contest. His potential participation adds another layer of complexity to the already developing scenario, potentially shifting the balance of power among competing factions. The involvement of Čuš and his supporters suggests that the upcoming elections may witness a broader spectrum of political representation than previously anticipated. The confirmation of Gajšek’s candidacy sets the tone for an intense electoral season in Ptuj. With multiple candidates entering the fray, the focus will shift toward shaping policy platforms, engaging with voters, and building alliances. Each candidate’s strategy will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the elections. As the campaign period approaches, the interactions between Gajšek and her rivals will become increasingly significant, influencing both public perception and the eventual results. The coming months will see increased activity in the form of rallies, debates, and outreach efforts aimed at securing voter support.