The famous mayor of Styria will not run again after 20 years: "Five terms is enough"

Longtime mayor of the municipality of Lenart, Janez Kramberger, has announced he will not run for re-election in the upcoming autumn local elections after serving for 20 years. Kramberger, who has been a member of the Slovenian Social Democratic Party (SDS) and a member of parliament, has led the municipality since 2006. He stated during an interview with STA that five mandates are sufficient and that others should attempt to take over, adding that he had already hinted at stepping down upon completing his last term in 2022. Kramberger emphasized that he does not have a favorite candidate for the position, believing that attempts to appoint successors in other municipalities have not been successful. He noted that people should decide, and they always make the right choice. In the last election, he submitted a mayoral candidacy supported by voters and did not face competition. His party, SDS, secured four mandates in the municipal council, matching the number achieved by the Slovenian People's Party (SLS). The Free Movement party received three mandates, while the proactive list obtained two, and one each from the National Liberal Party (NSi) and the Slovenian Democrats (SD). Kramberger believes he is leaving the municipality in good condition, stating that there are some debts, but nothing excessive, as they remained within set frameworks. He highlighted several successful projects, including the construction of a wastewater treatment plant and the extension of the primary school. Additionally, the construction of a kindergarten in Selca is planned to begin soon. The mayoral candidacy for Lenart this year was announced by 50-year-old Marko Horvat, a lawyer by profession and long employed at the Financial Office of Maribor. Since 2021, he has also served as the director of the Financial Office of Maribor. In a Facebook post, Horvat explained that the decision to take such a significant step was long in the making, resulting from encouragement from the local community and his personal desire to contribute positively to the municipality using his knowledge and experience. He expressed confidence that the municipality deserves thoughtful development benefiting all residents. Horvat plans to run as an independent candidate with support from voters, although he enjoys backing from the SDS. Among the projects he intends to focus on, if elected, are the construction of the northern bypass of Lenart, the renovation of the sports and recreation center Polena with the addition of a multi-purpose hall featuring a swimming pool, and the building of protected housing for the elderly. The SDS municipal board has endorsed Horvat’s candidacy, while other parties have yet to respond to inquiries regarding their plans for the local elections in Lenart.