Elections26: Bratislava Mayor Candidate Winkler Calls for Joining Forces (2)

Bratislava, 29 June (TASR) - Bratislava mayoral candidate Martin Winkler (Danube party) has called on some of the other candidates running for the post in the autumn elections to join forces, seeking to create a strong alternative to the current leadership of the Slovak capital, Winkler told a press conference on Monday, specifically mentioning Karlova Ves mayor Dana Cahojova, Pirate Party chair Zuzana Subova, and Lubomir Geci (Independent). "I want to send a signal that it's necessary to unite. I therefore want to call on other candidates for Bratislava mayor to consider joining forces and supporting me if they truly wish for a change in Bratislava's leadership," said Winkler. He believes that this will improve the chances of winning the mayoral race, adding that Bratislava should unite rather than divide people, and become a functional city that cares about everyone. As regards Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee), who recently announced that he would run for Bratislava mayor as an independent candidate, Winkler doesn't expect him to join such an alliance, though he admitted that he "would be pleased" if the minister did so in his favour. Asked whether he himself would consider withdrawing from the race, Winkler referred to current polls and voter support. "So far, with all due respect and humility, the figures show that, among the candidates I mentioned, I currently have the strongest support," said Winkler, adding that he can't imagine stepping down in favour of Raz. In a statement provided to TASR, Cahojova pointed out that she is, and has always been, "open to potential cooperation, both in terms of agenda and personnel". Geci told TASR that he's no stranger to cooperation among candidates and that he doesn't rule out the possibility. At the same time, however, Geci said he does not currently consider such cooperation to be realistic, although he'll continue to monitor the situation. "The fact that I am running against the current city leadership doesn't automatically mean that I'll join forces with another opponent against whom I also have reservations. I only announced my candidacy when most of the candidates were already known, so there have been no changes to my overall position whatsoever," said Geci, adding that he has not yet seen any credible signs that Winkler is capable of defeating the current city leadership. Several candidates have already announced bids for the post of Bratislava mayor, including incumbent mayor Matus Vallo (supported by Team Bratislava, Progressive Slovakia, Freedom and Solidarity, and Democrats), Karlova Ves mayor Dana Cahojova (Independent), Bratislava city and regional councillor Martin Winkler (Danube party), Miroslav Heredos and Lubomir Geci (both Independent), Pirate Party chair Zuzana Subova, and Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee). The combined elections for municipal and regional authorities are scheduled to take place on 24 October. NOTE: This story has been extended to include paragraphs 6-8 jrg/mcs