Primc začel župansko kampanjo s čiščenjem ljubljanskih odtokov

Four candidates from the left wing will face each other for the first time in a direct confrontation over the future of Ljubljana. This marks a pivotal moment in the city's political landscape as several prominent figures from leftist parties have entered the race for mayor. Among them are Klemen Boštjančič from the Freedom Movement, Anton Rop from the Ljubljana We Are All party, Luka Mesec from the Left, and Aleš Primc from the Voice for Children and Families party. Each candidate brings distinct policy proposals and critiques of current governance, setting the stage for a competitive election campaign. During a debate in the 24UR Evening programme, Zoran Janković, the incumbent mayor, addressed questions regarding Boštjančič’s candidacy. He did not view it as a betrayal by Robert Golob, but rather as a different line of thinking Golob had previously held. Janković emphasized his friendship with Boštjančič and noted their mutual support in addressing municipal issues. Boštjančič, meanwhile, stated he was running because he believes the city has a vision and program worth pursuing, after much internal discussion within the Freedom Movement. Anton Rop criticized Janković for his association with Balkan authoritarian politics, arguing that this does not present an alternative to such governance models. Janković responded that Rop has the right to his opinions and that ultimately, voters will decide. He also revisited past disputes involving the Mercator company and privatization issues. Rop, however, focused on Ljubljana’s future, highlighting housing policy, traffic management, and healthcare as key challenges. He called for a more democratic leadership style and expressed skepticism towards the Freedom Movement entering the race with two mayoral candidates. Luka Mesec acknowledged Janković’s past contributions to the city but pointed out current shortcomings in development priorities, inefficiency in solving housing and traffic problems, and growing distance from citizens. He cited examples such as the purchase of land for a ski resort in Podutik and criticized the high cost of housing, which has risen by 70% in five years. Mesec argued that Ljubljana needs new leadership to address these pressing issues. Aleš Primc launched his campaign with action, cleaning storm drains in Ljubljana as part of his initiative "For a Healthy Ljubljana." His platform focuses on caring for residents of housing estates, vulnerable groups, and ensuring clean drinking water. Primc emphasized the need for practical assistance and measures to improve daily life for these groups. He criticized both Janković and other leftist candidates, stating that they do not offer substantial changes to the city's governance model. In Nova Gorica, Marko Rusjan, a candidate from the Left supported by the Goriška.si list, outlined plans for better communication with citizens, spatial policies, and cultural development. He highlighted the need for adaptation to climate change and improvements in irrigation systems in the Vipava Valley. Rusjan also mentioned the need to manage the legacy of the European Capital of Culture, emphasizing collaboration with public institutions and non-governmental organizations. The official start of the mayoral campaign saw multiple candidates announcing their bids, including the current mayor Zoran Janković, Aleš Vrhovec from the SDS, Klemen Boštjančič from the Freedom Movement, Marko Koprivc from the SD, Luka Mesec from the Left, Aleš Primc from the Voice for Children and Families, and others. Each candidate aims to present a clear vision for Ljubljana's future, addressing various challenges and proposing specific solutions. The political landscape in Ljubljana is set to become more complex as multiple candidates from the left wing enter the fray, potentially reshaping the city's direction through their competing visions and strategies.