Urška Klakočar Zupančič in Anton Rop s skupno listo na lokalne volitve

The upcoming local elections in Ljubljana have taken on new significance as former President of the National Council, Urška Klakočar Zupančič, and former Prime Minister Anton Rop announce their intention to run together on a shared list. The announcement was made during a late-night television show hosted by POP TV, where Klakočar Zupančič confirmed that she and Rop will present a common slate of candidates. However, the identity of the list’s candidate for mayor remains undisclosed, adding an air of anticipation to the political landscape ahead of the November 15th vote.

According to recent public opinion polls conducted by Ninamedie for Dnevnik, Klakočar Zupančič currently leads in support, with 19.6% of respondents backing her, compared to Zoran Janković, the current mayor, who has 36.8%. This suggests that while Janković holds a strong position, there is room for a runoff round should neither candidate secure enough votes outright. The potential for a second round highlights the competitive nature of the race and the importance of voter preferences shifting over time.

Klakočar Zupančič has emphasized that the city's needs have evolved significantly over the past two decades, noting that “20 years of mayoral tenure is a long period during which many things change—people change, the city changes. The needs of the city are different than they were twenty years ago. Functions require fresh people who bring fresh changes.” She has also expressed support for the recent Sunday referendum on parking regulations, indicating that her campaign will focus on issues such as improving public transportation, environmental policies, housing quality, and cooperation between municipal authorities and large neighborhoods.

Despite her strong stance against the status quo, Klakočar Zupančič has clarified that she does not expect support from the party she once belonged to, Gibanje Svoboda, since she left the party after failing to be re-elected to the National Council. Her decision to step away from politics was announced earlier this year, and she has stated that her primary motivation for running is her deep connection to Ljubljana, having lived there for thirty years. She has also mentioned that she is not concerned about where exactly in the city she resides, focusing instead on the broader vision for the municipality.

Anton Rop, a former prime minister and member of parliament, has been part of several political alliances throughout his career, including his time in the first Janša government. He has now joined forces with Klakočar Zupančič, forming a coalition that includes experts from various fields who aim to return Ljubljana to its citizens. While the names of the list’s members remain confidential, the group is described as composed of individuals with diverse expertise, all committed to addressing the challenges facing the capital.

The election is expected to be one of the most contested in recent memory, with multiple prominent figures entering the fray. Among them is Luka Mesec, the coordinator of the Left Party, who has emerged as a notable challenger to Janković. Other potential candidates include Aleš Primc, the city councilor, and Jasmin Feratović, the leader of the Pirate Party. Additionally, former city councilor Mihael Jarc has also declared his candidacy, further intensifying the competition.

Meanwhile, the ruling party, SDS, has publicly supported Janković, with its vice-president, Andreja Katič, stating that the party backs the current mayors. However, internal discussions within the party suggest that the outcome of the election could influence future strategies, particularly regarding coalition-building and policy direction.

Political analysts note that the contest between Janković and Klakočar Zupančič reflects deeper ideological divides. Janković, representing continuity, faces criticism for his perceived lack of innovation, while Klakočar Zupančič, despite her experience, represents a shift toward reform and modernization. This dynamic is likely to play out in both public discourse and the final results of the election.

As the campaign season progresses, voters are being encouraged to consider the implications of each candidate’s platform. With the possibility of a runoff looming, the race for mayor of Ljubljana promises to be a defining moment in the city’s political history, shaping the direction of governance for years to come.