- Zoran Janković66%
- Luka Mesec16%
- Anton Rop9%
- Aleš Primc1%
- Jasmin Feratović1%
- Gregor Novak1%
Poll shows Zoran Janković leading with 34.6% as Ljubljana mayoral race enters official campaign period
A Ninamedia poll conducted October 12-14 shows incumbent Zoran Janković leading the mayoral field but facing a potential runoff, while official campaigning began October 15. The poll places Luka Mesec in second and Anton Rop in third as the municipal commission prepares to verify the final candidate list.
- A survey of 691 residents found Zoran Janković at 34.6% support, followed by Luka Mesec at 21%, Anton Rop at 8.2%, and Aleš Primc at 6.2% 2. The poll suggests a potential second round of voting as no candidate currently holds a majority, which bears on the settlement of 66%▼ and 16% on Kalshi 2.
- Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič debuted in polling at 5.2% following his late entry into the race, while SDS candidate Aleš Vrhovec recorded 4.6% 2.
- The official campaign period for the November 15 election is now underway following the October 15 filing deadline 1.
Full analysiswritten from the full pages behind this update
What happened — the development in detail
Official campaigning for the Ljubljana mayoral election began October 15, 2026, following the closure of the candidate filing window 1. A Ninamedia public opinion poll conducted between October 12 and 14 among 691 residents found that incumbent Zoran Janković holds 34.6% support 2. Luka Mesec follows with 21%, while Anton Rop of the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party holds 8.2% 2. Aleš Primc recorded 6.2%, and Klemen Boštjančič, who entered the race as the poll began, debuted at 5.2% 2. Aleš Vrhovec, an architect and political novice running for the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), holds 4.6% 2.
The poll indicates that no candidate currently possesses the majority required to win in the first round 2. In a hypothetical runoff between the two leading candidates, the gap narrows to 35.2% for Janković and 33.4% for Mesec 2. In this scenario, 23.6% of respondents stated they would vote for neither candidate, while 7.1% remained undecided 2. If Rop were to reach the runoff against Janković, the incumbent leads 40.2% to 30.4% 2.
Why it matters
The emergence of a competitive field on the left, including Mesec, Rop, and Boštjančič, has created a scenario where Janković may fail to secure the 50% threshold needed for an outright victory on November 15 1, 2. This development bears on the settlement of 66%▼ on Kalshi, as the incumbent has historically won five consecutive terms in the first round with over 60% of the vote 1.
The presence of Aleš Vrhovec as the sole major center-right candidate may consolidate that segment of the electorate, potentially influencing which challenger enters a runoff 1. Ninamedia analysis suggests that center-right voters, who often view Mesec and the Left party unfavorably, could become the deciding factor in a second round 2. While Boštjančič is officially a challenger, some observers characterize his candidacy as symbolic because his Freedom Movement party has previously supported Janković and permitted two of its MPs to run on the incumbent's council list 1. The market currently prices these challengers at 16%, 9%, 1%, and 1%.
What's next
The municipal election commission is scheduled to verify the eligibility of all filed candidacies by October 25, 2026. The final official list of confirmed candidates and parties is due for publication by October 30, 2026.
The first round of voting is scheduled for November 15, 2026 1. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a mayoral runoff between the top two finishers is scheduled for November 29, 2026 2. Early voting for the first round is scheduled to take place from November 10 to 12, 2026. The Kalshi market for the winner of the race remains open until 2027-11-15.
Sources cited above
2 references- 1sloveniatimes.com — The Slovenia Times
- 2dnevnik.si — Kako bi volili Ljubljančani? Jankoviću grozi drugi krog, Mescu pa desnica
The story so far
edited Oct 16 · 4 paragraphs changedWhat is happening
Control of the Slovenian capital and its municipal budget depends on whether incumbent Zoran Janković can secure a seventh term against a field of challengers that includes former Prime Minister Anton Rop and former Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič 1103336. The official campaign period began October 15, 2026, following a 7:00 p.m. deadline for candidate filings 333537. Boštjančič and Pirate Party president Jasmin Feratović filed their candidacies on October 14, 2026 3436. Rop formally filed on October 15, 2026, under the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party, campaigning on housing affordability and healthcare access 3033.
updated Oct 16 · 4 earlier versions
The official campaign period has now begun following the filing deadline [37].
Control of the Slovenian capital and its municipal budget depends on whether incumbent Zoran Janković can secure a seventh term against a field of challengers that includes former Prime Minister Anton Rop and former Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič 1103336. The official campaign period began October 15, 2026, following a 7:00 p.m. deadline for candidate filings 3335. Boštjančič and Pirate Party president Jasmin Feratović filed their candidacies on October 14, 2026 3436. Rop formally filed on October 15, 2026, under the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party, campaigning on housing affordability and healthcare access 3033.
Incumbent Zoran Janković leads at 74% on Kalshi, followed by Luka Mesec at 16% and Anton Rop at 9%. Other priced outcomes include Aleš Primc at 1%, Jasmin Feratović at 1%, and Gregor Novak at 1%.
The official campaign period began and several candidates including Boštjančič, Feratović, and Rop formalized their filings by the October 15 deadline [33, 34, 36].
Control of the Slovenian capital and its municipal budget depends on whether incumbent Zoran Janković can secure a seventh term against a growing field of challengers 1101621. Janković and Left party co-leader Luka Mesec officially filed their candidacies on October 13, 2026 1618. Former Prime Minister Anton Rop has formally established the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party to contest the seat, positioning his platform as a return of city governance to residents 15. Rop serves as co-president of the new party alongside Urška Klakočar Zupančič 12.
Incumbent Zoran Janković leads at 74% on Kalshi, followed by Luka Mesec at 16% and Anton Rop at 9%. Other priced outcomes include Aleš Primc at 1%, Jasmin Feratović at 1%, and Gregor Novak at 1%.
Updated Kalshi odds and added context on the municipal budget stakes [21].
Control of the Slovenian capital and its municipal budget depends on whether incumbent Zoran Janković can secure a seventh term against a growing field of challengers 11016. Janković and Left party co-leader Luka Mesec officially filed their candidacies on October 13, 2026 1618. Former Prime Minister Anton Rop has formally established the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party to contest the seat, positioning his platform as a return of city governance to residents 15. Rop serves as co-president of the new party alongside Urška Klakočar Zupančič 12.
Incumbent Zoran Janković leads at 76% on Kalshi, followed by Luka Mesec at 16% and Anton Rop at 8%. Other priced outcomes include Aleš Primc at 1%, Jasmin Feratović at 1%, and Gregor Novak at 1%.
Janković and Mesec officially filed candidacies on October 13, 2026, and Kalshi prices have updated [16, 18].
Control of the Slovenian capital and its municipal budget depends on whether incumbent Zoran Janković can secure a sixth term against a growing field of challengers 11012. Former Prime Minister Anton Rop has formally established the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party to contest the seat, positioning his platform as a return of city governance to residents 15. Rop serves as co-president of the new party alongside Urška Klakočar Zupančič 12.
Incumbent Zoran Janković leads at 68% on Kalshi, followed by Luka Mesec at 20% and Anton Rop at 10%. Other priced outcomes include Aleš Primc at 3%, Jasmin Feratović at 2%, and Gregor Novak at 1%.
A Ninamedia poll of 691 residents conducted October 12 to 14, 2026, found Zoran Janković leading with 34.6% support, followed by Luka Mesec at 21%, Anton Rop at 8.2%, and Aleš Primc at 6.2% 38. The survey indicates a potential second round of voting as no candidate currently holds a majority 38. Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič debuted at 5.2% support, while Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) candidate Aleš Vrhovec recorded 4.6% 38.
added Oct 16
New polling data shows the current state of the race and the potential for a runoff [38].
Incumbent Zoran Janković leads at 66%▼ on Kalshi, followed by Luka Mesec at 16% and Anton Rop at 9%. Other priced outcomes include Aleš Primc at 1%, Jasmin Feratović at 1%, and Gregor Novak at 1%. A consultative referendum regarding local voting rights concluded on October 11, 2026 21. The vote addressed a September 2, 2026, law that removed the right of non-EU permanent residents to vote in local elections 21. These residents are currently excluded from the November roll while the Constitutional Court considers the change 21.
updated Oct 16 · 1 earlier version
Updated Kalshi market prices to reflect the latest data.
A consultative referendum regarding local voting rights concluded on October 11, 2026 21. The vote addressed a September 2, 2026, law that removed the right of non-EU permanent residents to vote in local elections 21. These residents are currently excluded from the November roll while the Constitutional Court considers the change 21.
New development regarding the conclusion of the voting rights referendum [21].
What to watch
The mayoral election is scheduled for November 15, 2026 21. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a mayoral runoff between the top two finishers is scheduled for November 29, 2026 38. The Kalshi market for the winner of the race closes 2027-11-15.
updated Oct 16 · 2 earlier versions
Added the scheduled date for a potential runoff as indicated by polling analysis [38].
The mayoral election is scheduled for November 15, 2026 21. The Kalshi market for the winner of the race closes 2027-11-15.
Added the specific election date provided by the new source [21].
The mayoral election is scheduled for November following a citizens' initiative referendum challenge 11. The Kalshi market for the winner of the race closes 2027-11-15.
Municipal election commissions must approve or reject the filed candidacies by October 25, 2026 33. The official lists of confirmed candidates and parties are scheduled for publication by October 30, 2026 33. Early voting is scheduled for November 10 to 12, 2026 33.
last changed Oct 15 · 1 earlier version
The previous expected nominations occurred, and new deadlines for candidacy approval and early voting were established [33].
The Gibanje Svoboda party is expected to nominate former Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič on October 14, 2026 16. The SDS party is scheduled to officially present architect Aleš Vrhovec as its mayoral candidate the same day 16.
New candidates from major parties are scheduled for nomination on October 14 [16].
Read the full brief · how we got here
How we got here
Anton Rop launched his platform at a program congress where the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party adopted its statute 15. The party platform proposes increasing affordable housing, improving public transit, and granting more autonomy to district communities 24. Rop has criticized Janković's leadership style, stating the city should not be the property of any single interest group 23.
Zoran Janković filed his bid for a seventh term on October 13, 2026, alongside his list for the city council 16. Other confirmed challengers include city councilor Aleš Primc, who filed on October 12, 2026, and Left party co-leader Luka Mesec, whose city council list includes philosopher Slavoj Žižek 183132. Janković has served as mayor since 2006, winning five consecutive terms 10.
last changed Oct 15 · 2 earlier versions
Added specific filing dates for Primc and details regarding the Left party's council list [31, 32].
Anton Rop launched his platform at a program congress where the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party adopted its statute 15. The party platform proposes increasing affordable housing, improving public transit, and granting more autonomy to district communities 24. Rop has criticized Janković's leadership style, stating the city should not be the property of any single interest group 23.
Zoran Janković filed his bid for a seventh term on October 13, 2026, alongside his list for the city council 16. Other confirmed challengers include city councilor Aleš Primc and Left party co-leader Luka Mesec, who presented a 45-candidate list for the city council focused on reducing socio-economic disparities 718. Janković has served as mayor since 2006, winning five consecutive terms 10.
Janković and Mesec have now filed their bids, and Janković is seeking a seventh term [16, 18].
Anton Rop launched his platform at a program congress where the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party adopted its statute 15. The party platform proposes increasing affordable housing, improving public transit, and granting more autonomy to district communities 24. Rop has criticized Janković's leadership style, stating the city should not be the property of any single interest group 23.
Zoran Janković previously stated he would announce his final decision regarding a re-election bid on May 9 12. Other confirmed challengers include city councilor Aleš Primc and Left party co-leader Luka Mesec 713. Janković has served as mayor since 2006, winning five consecutive terms 10.
References · 24
- 1n1info.si — Anton Rop ostro nad župana Zorana Jankovića, dobil je tudi novo okrepitev iz vrst SD
- 2rtvslo.si — Rop: Ljubljana ni last župana ali katere koli interesne skupine - RTV SLO
- 3svet24.si — Tone Rop: "Janković ni in nikoli ne bo alternativa avtoritarni oblasti" - Svet24.si
- 4siol.net — Rop: Ljubljana bo po volitvah postala mesto vseh, ki tukaj živimo - siol.net
- 5dnevnik.si — (FOTO) Anton Rop: Ljubljano želim vrniti ljudem
- 7svet24.si — Aleš Primc pokosil travo in najavil kandidaturo za župana - Svet24.si
- 10nova24tv.si — Controversial Janković runs for fourth term as mayor – will voters again overlook that he is accused of taking bribes, extorting a female pharmacist, causing the bank liquidity gap, and being responsi
- 11x.com — Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković faces a major challenge ...
- 12sloveniatimes.com — Vučić offers Ljubljana mayor political career in Serbia
- 13english.sta.si — STA: Left co-leader Luka Mesec announces bid for Ljubljana mayor
- 16siol.net — Zoran Janković spet za župana Ljubljane. Golob bi Boštjančiča, znan tudi kandidat SDS? - siol.net
- 18rtvslo.si — Mesec predstavil listo Levice za Ljubljano: Ljubljana mora prenehati postajati lunapark za turiste
- 21portovoto.com — Slovenia 2026 - Local Election Voting Rights | Porto Voto
- 23dnevnik.si — Maraton je pred vrati, kaj morajo vedeti tekači in prebivalci Ljubljane?
- 28dnevnik.si — Do Zmajskega mostu z avtom ne bo šlo: zapora dela Poljanskega nasipa
- 30n1info.si — Županski kandidat Rop se bo zavzemal za Ljubljano z dostopnejšimi stanovanji in zdravstvom
- 31svet24.si — Kandidat za župana meni, da je edina alternativa Jankoviću - Svet24.si
- 32delo.si — Slavoj Žižek in Miha Mazzini na ljubljanski listi Levice
- 33delo.si — Stari obrazi, novi izzivalci: začenja se boj za občine
- 34preberi.si — RTV Slovenija: Feratović vložil kandidaturo za ljubljanskega župana: Pričakujemo preboj in spremembe
- 35slovenskenovice.delo.si — Jankoviću se obeta vroča bitka za Ljubljano! Boštjančič napoveduje zmago, v boj še Feratović in Simonova
- 36siol.net — Kandidaturo za ljubljanskega župana vložila tudi Boštjančič in Feratović - siol.net
- 37sloveniatimes.com — The Slovenia Times
- 38dnevnik.si — Kako bi volili Ljubljančani? Jankoviću grozi drugi krog, Mescu pa desnica
Timeline
4newest firstKlemen Boštjančič and Jasmin Feratović file Ljubljana mayoral bids as official campaign period begins
The official campaign period for the November 15 local elections began on October 15, 2026, with candidates facing a 7:00 p.m. deadline for final filings 5. Incumbent Zoran Janković faces a crowded field including former Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič and several other newly formalized challengers 57.
- Klemen Boštjančič (Gibanje Svoboda) and Jasmin Feratović (Pirate Party) officially filed their mayoral candidacies on October 14, 2026 68. Jasmin Feratović is priced at 1% on Kalshi.
- Anton Rop formally filed his candidacy and city council list on October 15, 2026, campaigning on housing affordability and healthcare access 2. Anton Rop is priced at 9% on Kalshi.
- Aleš Primc (Voice for Children and Families) confirmed he was the first to file his bid on October 12, 2026, positioning himself as the primary alternative to the incumbent 13. Aleš Primc is priced at 1% on Kalshi.
- The Left party (Levice) included philosopher Slavoj Žižek and writer Miha Mazzini on its city council list to support candidate Luka Mesec 4. Luka Mesec is priced at 16% on Kalshi.
- Additional confirmed candidates include Apolonija Simon (Vesna), Marko Koprivc (SD), and Aleksandar Repić 57. Zoran Janković remains the leader at 66%▼ on Kalshi.
Full analysiswritten from the full pages behind this update
What happened
The official campaign period for the November 15 local elections began on October 15, 2026, coinciding with the 7:00 p.m. deadline for mayoral candidate filings 5. Incumbent Zoran Janković, who has served since 2006, is seeking a seventh term and aims for a first-round victory 5. He faces a field of challengers that includes former Prime Minister Anton Rop, who filed his candidacy on October 15 under the new "Ljubljana smo vsi" party 2. Rop’s platform focuses on housing affordability, healthcare access, and a proposal to limit mayors to three consecutive terms 25.
Several other candidates formalized their bids in the days leading up to the deadline:
- Klemen Boštjančič: The Gibanje Svoboda deputy filed on October 14, 2026, presenting a six-point program centered on housing, transport, and safety 78.
- Jasmin Feratović: The Pirate Party president filed on October 14, 2026, criticizing the city's spending on sports infrastructure over healthcare 67.
- Aleš Primc: The Voice for Children and Families candidate confirmed he was the first to file on October 12, 2026, positioning himself as the sole alternative to the incumbent 13.
- Apolonija Simon: Representing the Vesna green party and a coalition of civil initiatives, she filed her bid focusing on water protection and transparent governance 78.
- Luka Mesec: The Left party (Levice) co-leader filed on October 13, 2026, supported by a city council list featuring philosopher Slavoj Žižek and writer Miha Mazzini 4.
Other confirmed candidates include Aleš Vrhovec (SDS), Marko Koprivc (SD), Gregor Novak (Prerod), Mihael Jarc, and Aleksandar Repić 15.
Why it matters
The entry of high-profile challengers from the left and center-left, including Rop and Boštjančič, targets a growing pool of voters dissatisfied with the incumbent's 20-year tenure 10. This fragmentation of the left-leaning vote occurs while the Kalshi market prices Zoran Janković as the heavy favorite at 66%▼. His closest priced rivals are Luka Mesec at 16% and Anton Rop at 9%.
The election outcome will determine the management of the municipal budget and the direction of major infrastructure projects, such as the potential introduction of a tram system proposed by Rop 2. The race also tests the influence of national parties in the capital; for instance, Gibanje Svoboda is running Boštjančič despite two of its own deputies appearing on Janković’s council list 78. Candidates such as Aleš Primc, priced at 1%, and Jasmin Feratović, at 1%, represent specialized platforms focusing on health and anti-corruption, respectively 16. The market also tracks Gregor Novak at 1%.
What's next
Municipal election commissions must approve or reject the filed candidacies by October 25, 2026 5. The official lists of confirmed candidates and parties will be published by October 30, 2026 5.
Key dates for the remainder of the election cycle include:
- November 10–12, 2026: Early voting period 5.
- November 14, 2026: Election silence begins 24 hours before the polls open 5.
- November 15, 2026: Election day. A candidate must receive a majority of votes to win in the first round 5.
- November 29, 2026: A second-round runoff will occur if no candidate secures a majority in the first round 5.
The Kalshi market "Ljubljana mayoral election winner?" is scheduled to close on November 15, 2027, one year after the vote.
Janković maintains lead as Ljubljana mayoral field expands and voting rights referendum concludes
Incumbent Zoran Janković remains the frontrunner for the November 15 mayoral election according to prediction markets, as a consultative referendum on local voting rights concluded on October 11. The race features a growing field of challengers including Luka Mesec and Anton Rop, with official results pending for the recent referendum on non-EU resident voting eligibility.
Full analysiswritten from the full pages behind this update
What happened — the development in detail
Incumbent Zoran Janković leads the field for the November 15 mayoral election at 66%▼ on Kalshi, as prediction markets react to the formalization of several high-profile challenges 1, 3. Janković and Left party co-leader Luka Mesec officially filed their candidacies on October 13, 2026 2. Mesec, currently priced at 16%, presented a 45-candidate list for the city council focused on reducing socio-economic disparities 2.
Former Prime Minister Anton Rop, priced at 9%, has established the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party to contest the seat. Rop serves as co-president of the new party alongside Urška Klakočar Zupančič. His platform proposes increasing affordable housing, improving public transit, and granting more autonomy to district communities.
The field of challengers also includes city councilor Aleš Primc, priced at 1%, and Jasmin Feratović, also at 1%. Primc was recently named as a member of a 26-member council for school system reform established by the Ministry of Education 8. Other priced outcomes on Kalshi include Gregor Novak at 1%.
On October 11, 2026, a consultative referendum regarding local voting rights concluded 3. The vote addressed whether the local franchise should be limited to Slovenian and EU citizens, following a law effective September 2, 2026, that removed the right of non-EU permanent residents to vote in local elections 3. While the Constitutional Court has not yet ruled on the constitutionality of the change, these residents are currently excluded from the November local roll 3.
Why it matters
The election on November 15 will determine control of the Slovenian capital and its municipal budget 3. The exclusion of non-EU permanent residents from the voter rolls, pending a final Constitutional Court decision, alters the electorate that will settle the "Ljubljana mayoral election winner?" market 3.
The entry of Anton Rop’s new party introduces a platform specifically targeting Janković’s long-term governance, which has spanned five consecutive terms since 2006. Rop’s focus on district autonomy and housing directly challenges the incumbent's centralized leadership style. The Kalshi market, which closes 2027-11-15, currently reflects a high probability for the incumbent, though the formalization of bids by Mesec and Rop provides established political alternatives for voters.
Local infrastructure developments continue alongside the campaign. A renovation of the Lekarna Soča, costing approximately 990,000 euros, was completed in July 2026, with 90 percent of the funding provided by the Ministry of Health 7. Additionally, the city is preparing for the 30th Ljubljana Marathon on October 17 and 18, 2026, which has a record 33,281 registered participants 5.
What's next
The Gibanje Svoboda party is expected to nominate former Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič on October 14, 2026. The SDS party is also scheduled to officially present architect Aleš Vrhovec as its mayoral candidate on the same day.
Official results for the October 11 consultative referendum on voting rights remain pending 3. While the result is non-binding for Parliament, it serves as a measure of public sentiment regarding the narrowed electorate for the upcoming vote 3.
Construction work on Poljanski nasip is scheduled to conclude by October 16, 2026 10. The 30th Ljubljana Marathon will take place on October 17 and 18, 2026, causing significant traffic closures across the city 5. The mayoral election will be held on November 15, 2026 3.
Janković and Mesec file Ljubljana mayoral candidacies as coalition and opposition parties name challengers
Incumbent Zoran Janković and Left party co-leader Luka Mesec officially filed their candidacies for the Ljubljana mayoral election on October 13, 2026. The race expanded as major parties SDS and Gibanje Svoboda moved to field their own candidates, potentially shifting the competitive landscape for the November vote.
- Zoran Janković filed his bid for a seventh term alongside his list for the city council on October 13 13.
- Luka Mesec officially entered the race on October 13, presenting a 45-candidate list for the city council focused on reducing socio-economic disparities between the city center and outskirts 15.
- The SDS party reportedly selected architect Aleš Vrhovec as its candidate, while the Gibanje Svoboda party is expected to nominate former Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič on October 14 123.
- Zoran Janković leads at 76% (at writing) on Kalshi, followed by Luka Mesec at 16% and Anton Rop at 9%▲.
Full analysiswritten from the full pages behind this update
What happened
Incumbent Zoran Janković and Left party co-leader Luka Mesec officially filed their candidacies for the Ljubljana mayoral election on October 13, 2026 13. Janković, who has served as mayor since 2006, is seeking a seventh term 13. He submitted his bid alongside the list for his party, Lista Zorana Jankovića, which includes candidates for the city council and district community councils 3.
Luka Mesec entered the race the same day, presenting a full list of 45 candidates for the city council and 96 for district councils 5. Mesec characterized his platform as a "coalition with the citizens," focused on bridging the gap between the renovated city center and neglected outskirts 5. He specifically criticized the municipal government for prioritizing luxury developments like the Schellenburg palace over affordable housing projects in areas such as Stanežiče 5.
The competitive field expanded as major national parties moved to field their own candidates. The Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) reportedly selected architect Aleš Vrhovec, a political newcomer, to contest the seat 13. The Gibanje Svoboda party, led by Prime Minister Robert Golob, is expected to nominate former Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič on October 14 12. Golob described Janković as a personal friend who has "done the most for Ljubljana in the last 100 years," but stated that personal friendship cannot dictate the party's actions 2.
Why it matters
The entry of candidates from the ruling Gibanje Svoboda and the opposition SDS shifts the race from a contest between the incumbent and independent or minor-party challengers to a broader political struggle involving Slovenia's major parliamentary forces. The nomination of Boštjančič by Gibanje Svoboda follows reports of friction between Golob and Janković 1. Specifically, marketing consultant Karmen Žirovnik, who previously advised both leaders, will remain employed by Janković’s administration but will not work for Gibanje Svoboda during this local election cycle 1.
The candidates have established clear policy divisions regarding the city's future. Janković defended his record on environmental issues, citing Ljubljana's status as a former European Green Capital and arguing that housing prices can be lowered by increasing supply and building 3,000 student beds 2. In contrast, Anton Rop, representing "Ljubljana smo vsi," cited data ranking Ljubljana 575th among European cities for air quality and criticized the scale of a planned waste incinerator 2. Mesec’s platform focuses on limiting tourism growth, which he described as turning the city into a "theme park," and activating 11,000 vacant apartments through regulation 5.
On the Kalshi market "Ljubljana mayoral election winner?", Zoran Janković leads at 76% (at writing), followed by Luka Mesec at 16% and Anton Rop at 9%▲. Other priced outcomes include Aleš Primc at 1%, Jasmin Feratović at 1%, and Gregor Novak at 1%.
What's next
The formal presentation of candidates continues this week:
- October 14, 2026: The SDS party is scheduled to officially present its mayoral candidate, Aleš Vrhovec, and its list of city council candidates at 12:30 p.m. 3.
- October 14, 2026: Gibanje Svoboda is expected to officially announce the candidacy of Klemen Boštjančič during the morning 2.
The election is scheduled for November 2026. The Kalshi market for the winner of the race closes on 2027-11-15. The final list of all certified candidates will be confirmed following the expiration of the filing deadline.
When we started following: Anton Rop launches mayoral platform as Zoran Janković faces November re-election challenge
Former Prime Minister Anton Rop launched his mayoral platform at a program congress for the "Ljubljana smo vsi" party, which was formally established with the adoption of its statute 15. Rop, serving as co-president alongside Urška Klakočar Zupančič, stated he intends to return city governance to residents and criticized incumbent Zoran Janković for his leadership style 125. The party's platform includes increasing affordable housing, improving public transit, and granting more autonomy to district communities 24.
Incumbent Zoran Janković, who previously stated he would announce his decision regarding a re-election bid on May 9 12, faces a November election following a citizens' initiative referendum challenge 11. City councilor Aleš Primc has also announced his candidacy for the mayoral seat 7. On Kalshi, Zoran Janković leads at 66%▼, followed by Luka Mesec at 16%▼, Anton Rop at 9%▼, Aleš Primc at 1%▼, Jasmin Feratović at 1%▼, and Gregor Novak at 1%.