The upcoming local elections in Ljubljana have taken on new significance as former President of the National Council, Urška Klakočar Zupančič, and former Prime Minister Anton Rop announce their intention to run together on a shared list. The announcement was made during a late-night television show hosted by POP TV, where Klakočar Zupančič confirmed that she and Rop will present a common slate of candidates. However, the identity of the list’s candidate for mayor remains undisclosed, adding an air of anticipation to the political landscape ahead of the November 15th vote.
According to recent public opinion polls conducted by Ninamedie for Dnevnik, Klakočar Zupančič currently leads in support, with 19.6% of respondents backing her, compared to Zoran Janković, the current mayor, who has 36.8%. This suggests that while Janković holds a strong position, there is room for a runoff round should neither candidate secure enough votes outright. The potential for a second round highlights the competitive nature of the race and the importance of voter preferences shifting over time.
Klakočar Zupančič has emphasized that the city's needs have evolved significantly over the past two decades, noting that “20 years of mayoral tenure is a long period during which many things change—people change, the city changes. The needs of the city are different than they were twenty years ago. Functions require fresh people who bring fresh changes.” She has also expressed support for the recent Sunday referendum on parking regulations, indicating that her campaign will focus on issues such as improving public transportation, environmental policies, housing quality, and cooperation between municipal authorities and large neighborhoods.
Despite her strong stance against the status quo, Klakočar Zupančič has clarified that she does not expect support from the party she once belonged to, Gibanje Svoboda, since she left the party after failing to be re-elected to the National Council. Her decision to step away from politics was announced earlier this year, and she has stated that her primary motivation for running is her deep connection to Ljubljana, having lived there for thirty years. She has also mentioned that she is not concerned about where exactly in the city she resides, focusing instead on the broader vision for the municipality.
Anton Rop, a former prime minister and member of parliament, has been part of several political alliances throughout his career, including his time in the first Janša government. He has now joined forces with Klakočar Zupančič, forming a coalition that includes experts from various fields who aim to return Ljubljana to its citizens. While the names of the list’s members remain confidential, the group is described as composed of individuals with diverse expertise, all committed to addressing the challenges facing the capital.
The election is expected to be one of the most contested in recent memory, with multiple prominent figures entering the fray. Among them is Luka Mesec, the coordinator of the Left Party, who has emerged as a notable challenger to Janković. Other potential candidates include Aleš Primc, the city councilor, and Jasmin Feratović, the leader of the Pirate Party. Additionally, former city councilor Mihael Jarc has also declared his candidacy, further intensifying the competition.
Meanwhile, the ruling party, SDS, has publicly supported Janković, with its vice-president, Andreja Katič, stating that the party backs the current mayors. However, internal discussions within the party suggest that the outcome of the election could influence future strategies, particularly regarding coalition-building and policy direction.
Political analysts note that the contest between Janković and Klakočar Zupančič reflects deeper ideological divides. Janković, representing continuity, faces criticism for his perceived lack of innovation, while Klakočar Zupančič, despite her experience, represents a shift toward reform and modernization. This dynamic is likely to play out in both public discourse and the final results of the election.
As the campaign season progresses, voters are being encouraged to consider the implications of each candidate’s platform. With the possibility of a runoff looming, the race for mayor of Ljubljana promises to be a defining moment in the city’s political history, shaping the direction of governance for years to come.
5 reports
Žurnal24IndependentCenter5 hr. agoFormer President of the National Assembly Urška Klakočar Zupančič has confirmed she is forming a joint list with former Prime Minister Anton Rop for the local elections scheduled for November 15. It remains unclear who will be the mayoral candidate from their list. Public opinion polls suggest Klakočar Zupančič could advance to the second round against current mayor Zoran Jankovič, based on results from the Ninamedia survey. In May, Klakočar Zupančič received 19.6% support while Jankovič secured 36.8%. Klakočar Zupančič has distanced herself from the Freedom Movement party after failing to win a seat in the National Assembly. She argues that after 20 years of Jankovič’s leadership, fresh faces are needed to bring new changes to the city. Other potential candidates include Luka Mesec, Aleš Primc, Jasmin Feratović, and Mihael Jarc.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the formation of a political list for local elections, mentions poll data, and includes quotes from multiple individuals with differing views. There is no overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would indicate a clear lean to
ReporterIndependentCenter7 hr. agoIn a recent evening broadcast on POP TV, Klakočar Zupančič announced her intention to run for mayor of Ljubljana alongside Anton Rop, though she has not yet revealed who the candidate will be. She emphasized that the focus is now on developing a program rather than deciding on the candidate at this stage. Zupančič criticized current mayor Zoran Janković, stating that after 20 years in office, the city’s needs have changed and fresh leadership is required. Her proposed platform includes improving public transportation, collaboration on land issues in large neighborhoods, sustainability policies, air quality improvements, and housing policies. She also supports a weekend referendum on parking regulations. Other potential challengers to Janković include Luko Mesec from the Left and local council members like Aleš Primc and Jasmin Feratović. Meanwhile, Janković still has support within the Freedom Party for his mayoral bid.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information from multiple political figures and parties involved in the mayoral race in Ljubljana. It provides quotes and positions from both supporters of Zoran Janković and those challenging him, including Klakočar Zupančič and others. The tone appears balanced, presenting the
Siol.netState / PublicCenter8 hr. agoIn Ljubljana, former Slovenian parliament member Urška Klakočar Zupančič and former Prime Minister Anton Rop are running together on a common list for local elections. Klakočar Zupančič announced this during a late-night TV show on POP TV but did not reveal their candidate for mayor. She stated they have not yet decided on the mayor candidate and emphasized that the focus is currently on their program. The list includes experts from various fields aiming to return Ljubljana to its citizens. Klakočar Zupančič mentioned that she has left the Freedom Movement party, making it unlikely they would support her candidacy. She expressed her decision to run because she has lived in Ljubljana for 30 years and does not care where she lives. She criticized current Mayor Zoran Janković, stating that after 20 years in office, the city’s needs have changed and fresh people are needed for change. Her platform focuses on improving public transportation, cooperation between municipal authorities and large suburbs, sustainability policies, air quality, housing policies, and supporting a Sunday referendum on parking regulations. Other potential candidates include Socoordinator of Left Party Luka Mesc,
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about two former politicians running together on a local election list without overtly favoring either side. It provides balanced reporting on their intentions, their background, and their proposed policies without taking a clear ideological stance. While the content
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenter19 hr. agoThe article reports on the upcoming local elections in Ljubljana, focusing on the political landscape and potential candidates. Current Mayor Zoran Janković has announced his candidacy, and his support includes Lenart Žavbi, the deputy leader of the Freedom Party. Meanwhile, former President of the National Assembly Urška Klakočar Zupančič and former Prime Minister Anton Rop are running together on a common list, though they have not yet revealed their candidate for mayor. Klakočar Zupančič stated that they will decide later who will represent them and emphasized the need for fresh ideas and changes in city governance. She highlighted priorities such as improving public transportation, environmental policies, and housing quality. The article also mentions Luka Mesec, a prominent opposition figure, as a potential challenger to Janković.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about multiple candidates and parties without overtly favoring any side. It provides balanced reporting by mentioning both the incumbent mayor’s supporters and the opposition figures, including those from different political backgrounds. While there is some emphasis,
Info360IndependentCenter23 hr. agoThe article discusses upcoming local elections in Ljubljana, focusing on the political landscape and potential candidates. The list led by Anton Rop and Urška Klakočar Zupančič is expected to participate, with Klakočar Zupančič leading in opinion polls. She previously belonged to the Freedom Movement but withdrew after not being elected. The article mentions her potential candidacy against Zoran Janković, who currently leads in polls. Other left-wing parties, including the Left Party and Pirats, are also set to field candidates. The Progressive Association has launched a survey to gather opinions on life in the city, highlighting the new list. The article notes the involvement of notable figures such as former MP Janija Möderndorfer and Uroš Jauševic, who has criticized Janković.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the political competition in Ljubljana without overtly favoring any particular candidate or party. It reports on opinion poll results, candidate lists, and the involvement of various political figures without taking a clear ideological stance. While there is a
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