Winkler Becomes First Official Bratislava Mayor Candidate

Bratislava, May 13 (TASR) - Bratislava municipal and regional councillor Martin Winkler is the first official candidate for the post of Bratislava mayor in next year's local elections. Winkler announced his candidacy on Tuesday. He wants to bring financial responsibility, transparency, smoother transport and better services for all Bratislava residents. He also announced the setting up of a new Bratislava municipal party called Dunaj (Danube). "I'm coming up with a clear and understandable alternative, based on experience, common sense and sensitive solutions that are suitable for all Bratislava residents and not just for one privileged group," Winkler told a news conference. He criticised the current leadership of the capital for what he views as incompetent decisions, double taxes, record-high debt and the threat of forced administration, as well as an increase in the number of the city council employees and white-collar workers in municipal companies. He pointed to a two-year delay in the construction of the Petrzalka tramline while calling it overpriced, and complained of clientelism, the arrogance of power, overpriced projects and a failure to meet deadlines. According to Winkler, the capital city lacks a plan B and plan C for better management. "Bratislava has enough money; it just mustn't be lost in the pockets of cronies," stressed Winkler. Winkler also presented his key priorities for a better Bratislava. He wants to cut the number of white-collar workers in the city council and municipal firms by 30 percent and to examine all contracts and expenditures. He would use the saved money to hire more city police officers and city maintenance employees. He intends to build new sports fields and reconstruct existing ones, and he plans to focus on children's safety and hire nutrition counsellors for schools. He wants to establish the term 'Bratislava resident' in parking policy, and he also plans to adjust the Vajanskeho Embankment. He would promote a freeze on taxes and fees for the next four years. Meanwhile, he predicted that Bratislava residents won't be able to travel by the Petrzalka tram in three weeks. ko/df