Elections26: Vallo and Droba Urge People to Vote for Their Coalition, Not Smer

Bratislava, 24 September (TASR) - Bratislava mayor and Bratislava region governor Juraj Droba have urged the public to vote for their four-party coalition, comprised of Team Bratislava, Progressive Slovakia (PS), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) and Democrats, in the autumn elections, in which both are seeking re-election to their current posts. At a news conference held on Thursday with representatives of the political parties and candidates for mayor and local councillor seats in attendance, the two declared that they wouldn't allow the governing Smer-SD party to 'seize control' of either the capital city or the region. "Bratislava, together with its municipal companies, has a budget approaching €1 billion. I think this is something that bothers many people, since they don't have control over it. We care about Bratislava - literally. We know what Smer is doing with Slovakia, and we won't let it to do the same to our city, to Bratislava," stressed Vallo, referring to his rival for the Bratislava mayor post, Jozef Raz, who, while running as an independent candidate, is also a Smer-SD nominee in his capacity as the transport minister. A month before the elections, Vallo also urged people to go to the polls on 24 October. He described the date as a celebration of democracy and an important moment when people can express their views on the direction of the city or region. As for the candidates from their four-party coalition, Vallo noted that voters could be sure that they have a 'genuine and authentic' connection to Bratislava. "They can be sure that these are people who have the passion and expertise for our city or region," he stressed, adding that he was ready to take part in a debate with Raz. Droba noted that the Bratislava region is inclusive and international, with several ethnic minorities living in its territory. He declared that they won't allow anyone else to take control of the region. "We won't let Smer take control of this region and this territory," stated the Bratislava region governor. The combined local and regional elections will be held on Saturday, 24 October 2026. ko/mcs