Mesec obljublja dostopno, pretočno, zeleno in varno Ljubljano

Ljubljana's mayor candidate Luka Mesec has pledged to make the city more accessible, efficient, green and safe. During his campaign speech, he emphasized initiatives such as free kindergartens for all residents and efforts to improve access to housing through measures including limiting temporary rental periods to 30 days per year and requiring neighbor consensus. He also announced plans to enable local communities to participate in decisions regarding projects affecting their areas, with a commitment to allocate five percent of the municipal budget for this purpose. Mesec outlined a new traffic policy aimed at expanding the P+R system, increasing bus frequencies at all entry points, and making public transport free within the city. The plan includes implementing the 15-minute city concept, which was already included in the city’s strategic documents but remained unrealized. This approach would allow residents of all neighborhoods to reach essential services within 15 minutes. Regarding safety, Mesec highlighted challenges related to drug abuse and homelessness, noting that the area of Metelkova has been designated as a high-risk zone. He stressed the need for an autonomous cultural center in the area rather than looking away from the issue of illegal drug sales. Green spaces were described by Mesec as fundamental infrastructure for the city. He proposed initiatives such as planting greenery on rooftops of stores and industrial facilities, reviving five green lungs that ventilate the city, and creating more accessible green areas throughout the city. His vision includes integrating nature into urban planning to enhance quality of life and environmental sustainability. In addition to these proposals, Mesec announced plans to begin building a coalition with residents during his campaign, visiting each district to understand what kind of city citizens want and how current programs can be expanded. He expressed confidence in his model being successful, believing it was developed based on input from citizens and consultations with experts. Mesec also commented on the recently announced candidacy of Anton Ropa, expressing support for him. He believed the upcoming election would be interesting because it would finally offer Ljubljanski citizens and women an electoral choice. He felt confident that his model would convince many residents due to its grassroots origins. Other candidates have also announced their candidacies for mayor, including current mayor Zoran Janković, municipal councilor Jasmin Feratović (Pirati), Aleš Primc (Glas za otroke in družine), former municipal councilor Mihael Jarc, candidate Preroda Gregor Novak, and influential figure Aleksandar Repić. These developments mark a significant shift in the political landscape of Ljubljana, with multiple contenders vying for leadership in shaping the city's future.