Anton Rop and Urška Klakočar Zupančič have joined forces to run together on a common list for the upcoming local elections in Ljubljana. This decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the capital, as both figures bring considerable experience and public recognition to the campaign. The two candidates—Rop, a former prime minister and finance minister, and Klakočar Zupančič, a former member of parliament and leader of the Freedom Party—are positioning themselves as challengers to the incumbent mayor, Zoran Janković, who has held office for over two decades. While their joint candidacy signals a potential challenge to Janković’s dominance, the specifics of their roles remain under discussion. The announcement was made through a press release issued by Klakočar Zupančič during her appearance on the evening television show POP TV. She confirmed that she and Rop will run together on a shared list but did not yet reveal which one of them would serve as the official candidate for mayor. Instead, she emphasized that they are currently focused on developing their platform and program for the election. "We are still deciding who will be the candidate for mayor, and right now it's time for our program," she stated. Klakočar Zupančič also mentioned that she does not intend to engage with the functions of the position at this stage, stating that the voters will learn about the candidate for the shared list at the appropriate time. The shared list includes a group of experts from various fields, all of whom aim to return Ljubljana to its citizens. Klakočar Zupančič explained that these individuals are selected because they believe the city needs fresh ideas and changes. However, she clarified that the list does not expect support from the Freedom Party, as she had already left the party after failing to win re-election in the recent parliamentary elections. She noted that while she once belonged to the party, the current situation makes such support irrelevant. Klakočar Zupančič expressed her decision to run on the shared list due to her long-standing connection to Ljubljana, having lived there for 30 years. She criticized Janković’s tenure, calling his 20-year rule a period of stagnation that has failed to meet the changing needs of the city. "The city has changed, the people have changed, and the demands of the city are different than they were 20 years ago," she said. She argued that the role of a mayor requires new people who can bring fresh perspectives and necessary reforms. Her campaign focuses on improving public transportation, enhancing cooperation between municipal authorities and residents, promoting sustainable policies, and improving air quality and housing policies. She also supports a Sunday referendum on parking regulations, which she believes is essential for addressing urban mobility issues. Rop, meanwhile, has been less vocal about his specific plans, though he has hinted that the primary goal of the shared list is to secure as many seats as possible in the city council. He emphasized that the focus should be on shaping the city’s future rather than immediately contesting the mayoral race. In an interview with N1 Slovenia, Rop stated that the decision on who will run for mayor is still pending and that the team will announce their choice closer to the election date. He acknowledged that Janković’s long tenure has created a sense of complacency within the city administration, and he believes that change is overdue. "More than 20 years of leadership is enough," he remarked, adding that the time for transformation has come. Other potential challengers to Janković include Luka Mesec, the coordinator of the Left party, as well as Aleš Primc and Jasmin Feratović from the Pirati party, and former city councillor Mihael Jarc. These candidates represent a range of political ideologies, from progressive to centrist, and their presence adds complexity to the electoral race. Meanwhile, the ruling party, SDS, continues to support Janković, with its deputy head, Andreja Katič, expressing confidence in his ability to win another term. Public opinion polls suggest that Klakočar Zupančič is currently leading among voters, although her lead is not overwhelming. According to data from the Ninamedie polling agency, she received 19.6% of support in May, compared to Janković’s 36.8%. However, the results are not definitive, and the race remains competitive. Some analysts argue that Rop’s extensive political experience could give him an edge, particularly in areas where policy expertise is crucial. Others, however, point to Klakočar Zupančič’s strong grassroots connections and her appeal to younger voters as factors that could help her gain traction. The election campaign is set to begin in September, with voting scheduled for November 15. As the candidates prepare their platforms, the political climate in Ljubljana remains charged with anticipation. Whether the shared list of Rop and Klakočar Zupančič will succeed in challenging Janković’s entrenched position depends on how effectively they can unite their strengths and address the concerns of Ljubljana’s diverse population. For now, the city waits to see whether the old guard will continue to dominate or if a new wave of reformists will finally break through.
8 reports
VečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 92Objective 8512 hr. agoThe article discusses potential political changes in Ljubljana, focusing on the emerging political project led by Urška Klakočar Zupančič and Anton Rop, who are positioning themselves against current Mayor Zoran Janković. The piece references Jure Klobčar, a former prime minister, who suggests there could be political shifts in the capital. It also mentions Anton Rop, formerly the head of the Social Democrats' secretariat, who conducted a survey on the mood of Ljubljana residents and claims that Janković is vulnerable. The article raises questions about whether this group is forming the foundation of a new political party, which candidate analysts believe would be more suitable for mayor, and why, according to analyst Aljaž Pengov, Janković still cannot be ruled out despite these challenges.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of potential political developments involving multiple figures and their positions, without overtly favoring any side through language or emphasis. It frames the situation as open-ended, exploring different perspectives and possibilities rather than takinga
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 85): High factual accuracy with clear reporting of events and data. Objectivity is maintained through balanced presentation of information.
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 91Objective 862 days 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,
Why these scores (Factual 91 · Objective 86): Very factual with precise reporting and minimal bias. Objectivity is high as it maintains neutrality in presenting information.
Info360IndependentCenterFactual 91Objective 702 days 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
Why these scores (Factual 91 · Objective 70): The article accurately reports the formation of the joint list and includes specific poll data. However, it uses more emotionally charged language like 'sporocilo Jankoviću: Jaz te bom odstavil!' (telling Janković: I will remove you!) which introduces bias and reduces objectivity.
+Portal (Portal Plus)IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 80yesterdayThe article reports that Urška Klakočar Zupančič, who is running for local elections in Ljubljana alongside former Prime Minister Anton Rop on a common list, states that they have not yet discussed their functions. The statement comes from a source cited as '24ur zvečer'. The article also mentions that +Portal is working to limit harmful comments and spam content, and asks readers to avoid aggressive content. It notes that comments containing links to websites will not be published.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a political candidate’s statement without overtly favoring any particular side. While the context involves local elections and political alliances, the framing remains neutral, focusing on the reported statement rather than taking a clear ideological stance.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): Factual accuracy is strong with direct quotes from sources. Objectivity remains good but slightly leans towards supporting one candidate over others.
Siol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 89Objective 82yesterdayIn 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
Why these scores (Factual 89 · Objective 82): Factual content is reliable with clear sourcing. Objectivity is good but shows slight favoring of one candidate based on reported statements.
ReporterIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 75yesterdayIn 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
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 75): Factual content is solid with analysis of potential outcomes. Objectivity is moderate as it presents possible scenarios but implies certain biases.
Žurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 87Objective 78yesterdayFormer 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
Why these scores (Factual 87 · Objective 78): Factual details are accurate and well-reported. Objectivity is slightly compromised by emphasis on one candidate’s potential success.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7015 hr. agoThe article discusses the upcoming local elections in Ljubljana, focusing on the potential candidacy of former Prime Minister Anton Rop and former President of the National Assembly Urška Klakočar Zupančič against long-term mayor Zoran Janković. It mentions that public opinion polls suggest stronger support for Klakočar Zupančič and Ljubljana's opposition leader Luka Mescu compared to Rop. The article outlines the election schedule, noting that while previous mayoral races were predictable, this year's race is more uncertain due to new candidates entering the fray. It highlights concerns over Janković's leadership style, describing his approach as outdated and disconnected from modern European city standards. The piece emphasizes the need for change in municipal governance and points to recent controversies such as the controversial referendum on introducing paid parking in residential areas.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the current administration under Zoran Janković as out-of-touch and resistant to necessary reforms, using strong criticism of his leadership style and governance. It portrays the opposition candidates (Klakočar Zupančič and Rop) as advocating for progressive changes and greater市民（
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factuality is high as it covers political candidates and their positions accurately. Objectivity is lower due to some biased language suggesting one candidate may be stronger than another.
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