Who's running for mayor of Copra? The fast defends the position, Popovic sends his son to the match

The race for mayor of Koper, Slovenia’s largest coastal municipality, features ten candidates competing for the top post in local elections scheduled for October 2026. Incumbent mayor Ales Brzan seeks a third term, facing stiff competition from his former deputy mayor, Mateja Hrvatin Kozlovic, and the son of a previous long-serving mayor, Nik Popovic. The fragmented field of ten contenders significantly increases the likelihood of a second round of voting. Brzan, who defeated Boris Popovic in the runoff four years ago after losing to him in 2018, runs under his own list without formal party backing. He previously enjoyed coalition support from the Freedom Movement, which has since withdrawn its endorsement. Brzan stated he has much to show after two terms but has not fulfilled all plans, noting that ideal project realization requires at least a decade. He identified the economy as a key challenge, expressing dissatisfaction with current progress. His platform includes establishing a technology hub, securing water supply for Slovenian Istria, achieving food self-sufficiency, and resolving a housing shortage estimated at 2,800 units. Hrvatin Kozlovic resigned her deputy position recently to run independently. She cited divergent views among coalition partners over the past four years as a reason for her separate candidacy. As a former insider, she possesses detailed knowledge of municipal administration but faces criticism for being part of the team she now challenges. Her campaign promises greater decisiveness and efficiency, focusing on five priority areas: water supply, housing and infrastructure including internet access, healthcare expansion, economic development, and education. She also proposes building a multi-purpose sports hall and a youth center. The Freedom Movement supports her bid, having achieved one of its best national results in Koper during recent parliamentary elections. Cross-party list Zavedno Koper, led by musician and entrepreneur Patrik Greblo, also backs her candidacy. Nik Popovic, 26, enters the race as a candidate for the local party Koper je nas. This group holds the largest council bloc in the current mandate. He aims to capture his father’s former voter base. Boris Popovic, the former mayor, will also run for office, though specific details regarding his target seat were cut off in available reports. The political landscape in Koper remains divided, with candidates appealing to different segments of the electorate through distinct policy platforms. Observers note the high number of candidates reflects deep political fragmentation in the region. While Brzan leads in polls as the favorite, his lack of unified party support presents a vulnerability. Hrvatin Kozlovic leverages her administrative experience, while Popovic relies on name recognition and organizational strength within the city council. The election outcome could reshape local governance dynamics, particularly regarding infrastructure projects and economic strategy. All candidates have announced their intentions publicly, setting the stage for a contentious campaign period leading up to the vote. The presence of both a sitting official and a prominent family name ensures high public interest in the proceedings. Municipal officials continue preparing logistics for the upcoming electoral process amidst these developments.