Simecka: Local and Regional Elections Big Priority for Progressive Slovakia

Bratislava, 7 January (TASR) - Progressive Slovakia (PS) party leader Michal Simecka has said in an interview with TASR that he views the local and regional elections due to be held this year as a big priority, as it will be the last opportunity before the general election to defeat the governing coalition, thereby sending an important signal to voters. In addition to Bratislava, PS wants to focus on success in Kosice. The party doesn't plan to offer its own mayoral candidate in the Slovak capital. If current mayor Matus Vallo decides to defend his mandate, PS wants to support him, said Simecka. "It's a big priority for us. It will be the last chance before the nation-wide election not only to defeat the governing coalition; it's also especially important for us to be stronger than we are now at the level of local government. And this applies to regions as well as towns and villages," said Simecka. "Although surveys show Progressive Slovakia to be the strongest party in many bigger or smaller towns, we don't have adequate representation there in municipal councils or in mayor posts, and we want to change that. In addition to Bratislava, Kosice will also be a priority for us," stated the PS leader, adding that the party has already presented candidates for the mayor of Kosice and Kosice region governor. Trnava region governor Jozef Viskupic is currently also representing the colours of PS. "Of course, I hope that he'll defend his mandate, and then we'll see about the other regions and other towns and cities," added Simecka. PS also supported Juraj Droba as Bratislava region governor within a coalition. "If he decides to re-run for the post, PS will be a key part of such a coalition in this election again," said Simecka. Slovaks will elect their representatives in towns, villages and self-governing regions in 2026. The local and regional elections will again be combined, meaning that they'll be held on the same day. The date isn't yet known, but they will be held in the autumn, as the last such elections took place on 29 October 2022. Mayors of towns and villages, regional governors and councillors are elected for four-year terms. ko/df