Mayor Zoran Jankovic, Ljubljana, Slovenia




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Testimonials for
Zoran Jankovic
Mayor of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

The winner and runner-ups of World Mayor 2012 will be chosen based on the number of nominations in relation to the size of their cities and, more importantly, on the persuasiveness and conviction of testimonials received during this year's World Mayor Project. Below we publish a selection of comments received to date about WM nominee Zoran Jankovic, Mayor of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Mayor Jankovic has signed up to the City Mayors Code of Ethics.

Testimonials:
Comment: Zoran Jankovic is charismatic,professional, resourceful. The mayor made Ljubljana what it is today - top city to live and work. (By Aljosa F, Ljubljana)

Comment: When Zoran Jankovic became our mayor he introduced to us his ambitious idea that Ljubljana is the most beautiful town in the world. Today, during his second mandate, we not only trust his ambition, we live and realize this idea every day. Because we can and he encourages us. My work is in the field of art&culture and I help to build Ljubljana as the most beautiful town in the world. (By Nina P, Slovenia)

Comment: The city of Ljubljana has been on a great development boost since mr. Jankovic took over the ''steering wheel''. Over the years there were a lot of plans for everything, but since 2006 these plans started to turn in to reality. The capital got a really needed national sports complex (largest football stadium and indoor sports arena in the country, winning multiple awards for architecture), the old city core was turned in to a pedestrian zone all the streets and squares full of cars are now free for people, while there were some garages built underground around the old town for the residents and short term parking, 6 new bridges were built in a radius of 4km adding to the 7 older bridges, city administration is now fully optimized working like a clock, some chaotic areas on the outskirts of the city are getting the needed infrastructure, public transit is getting new lines, connecting the city with it's sattelites and there is a widespread of public optimism in people seeing what he is doing. Optimism shown by the voting. 61% support in 2006, 64% in 2010, 28% (relative victory) in december of 2011 national government elections and at last the surrogate elections (he lost his mayor status after being elected in to parliament) in Ljubljana 2012 61% support. People are talking and people say he is the best! (By T R, Ljubljana)

Comment: Zoran Jankovic!I am not personaly from Ljubljana but i work there and send a big portion of my day in Ljubljana. And in the short few years that mayor Jankovic has been in office one can see the difference in the quility of life, fun, beauty, nature. Every aspact of living in Ljubljana has improved during Mayor Janknkovic's tenure. The city center has become a perl as it once was almost 60 years ago. And the city center is actually growing in size due to the adaptation process surrounding the center has expended the center. There is a lot more going on in the city, it is much more lively and a much much happier place. It is truely (By Aljosa M, Ljubljana)

Comment: Mr Jankovic is the mayor who has done the most for Ljubljana ever since the legendary mayor Ivan Hribar, who practically rebuilt the city after an earthquake. Jankovic has (among other things) reorganised traffic, introducing a large pedestrian zone in the historical centre, a number of new bus lines which are very convenient, and a public rent-a-bike system; he has also built a number of bridges and other amenities (a large sports complex, many kindergartens, parks), and improved large areas of the river banks, bringing the river closer to the strollers. (By Nada, Ljubljana)

Comment: I was in Ljubljana. Ljubljana is the heart and the Capital City of Slovenia, and is one of the most breath-taking cities in Europe. It is utterly beautiful and packed with history and culture. Ljubljana is a very vibrant and lively city and you will not be lacking in places to eat, drink and have a great time. Residents of Ljubljana are proud of the Mayor Mr. Jankovic. (By Petter E, Outside Slovenia)

Comment: The first time I visited Ljubljana in 2002. My second visit was in June this year. What has changed in ten years... Arranged embankment Ljubljanica, closed center of the old town, new facades of buildings, new modern buildings,...really amazing place with very positive energy. Thanks Mr Jankovic, because he arranged the beautiful city in the heart of Europe. (By Patrick McF, Outside Slovenia)

Comment: Because after a hard, 8-hours long City Council meeting in the middle of the night he seets in the car and carries sandwiches to workers who plow the roads. (By Marko H, Slovenia)

Comment: He changed Ljubljana into the most beautiful place in the world. He has made so many changes in the city that no one from the former majors did. He made citizens of Ljubljana to be proud of their town. He made changes on many levels of city life. (By Darja S, Ljubljana)

Comment: The city of Ljubljana is such a vibrant, chic place to be! Been a citizen of Ljubljana for 24 years and this is the city's best period so far. Suddenly, Ljubljana has become a special and beautiful place to live... Hope it stays that way! (By N N, Ljubljana)

Comment: Mr. Zoran Jankovic changed Ljubljana on the best possible way and he is proud on this and he says: "Ljubljana is the most beautiful town on the world." He improve Ljubljana on a lot of sides, which is good for economy,culture,education, students, young families, employees, people of third generetion; he is a mayor for all people, who lives, visits or comes to Ljubljana;everyone is wellcome and every day is possible to see him between people on Ljubljana streets. (By Renata, Slovenia)

Comment: The mayor from the city Ljubljana mr Zoran Jankovic is a really great man and Ljubljana is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer.Ljubljana has a nice city core and a big sport center thad Zoran Jankovic builded.He also loves people and he has an ear for everyone.And we olso can notforget that he was the one who has made thad,that Ljubljana attrackt now many more tourists.Those are also the reasons why I think that he should be voted for the candidate for the best mayor in the europe. (By Lejla H, Ljubljana)

Comment: I visit the town of Ljubljana in a regular basis. The town itself is very clean and well taken care of, the town is also very green. Mr. Jakovic, the mayor is always around people and he listens to every small issue people have and always finds a solution for it. (By Matija B, Slovenia)

Comment: Although I don't live in Ljubljana, I travel there a lot and the city improved over the past years significantly. It has become a life style destination, a place where business meets pleasure. The mayor has done a great job, not only for The city, but also for Slovenia, since Ljubljana is its capital and shows in the best manner how beautiful this country is. I am sure the other cities in Slovenia will follow the example, although the standards Mr. Jankovic has set are preatty high. I whish him all the best for the future and strength to keep up the good work. (By S J, Slovenia)

Comment: Zoran Jankovic realizes big projects in Ljubljana which nobody before him didn't suceed. The most amazing fact is that investments were made during the worst period i.e. Worlwide financial crises. Ljubljana becomes one of the most beautiful cities in Europe in only 6 years. (By Viktor, Slovenia)

Comment: My Mayor made me proud to live in Ljubljana. He can be seen everywhere in town, speak with common people and listen to their suggestions. Past Mayors just spoke about what should be done in Ljubljana, but mr. Zoran Jnkovic made words become realitty. It was done such a great job ! So many changes ! But still he is a citisen like we all. Seen on my own eyes, when stoped youngster on scooter driving in a walkers erea and demanded to he continue walking. Amazing. I'm so proud on mr. Zoran Jankovic! (By Tadej, Ljubljana)

Comment: He changed Ljubljana into the most beautiful place in the world. He has made so many changes in the city that no one from the former majors did. He made citizens of Ljubljana to be proud of their town. He made changes on many levels of city life. (By I M, Slovenia)

Comment: He changed a lot of things in city of Ljubljana, which received a soul and vision of traditional Mid-European city. In spite of huge reaction of some political opponents he successed with moving transportation out of centre, build underground parking, build new parks areas, avenues, sports fields, which citizents waited for more than 30 years. People of Ljubljana love him, maybe, to much. (By Bakres Ljubljana)

Comment: He made of Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, one of the most attractive Europen capitals.He personaly cares of every project in the city. You can see him constantly meeting inhabitants of Ljubljana in theirs neighbourhoods and discuss their problems. Don't be surprised if you see him on the street picing up garbage... In a word - he is really people's mayor!!! (By Janja, Ljubljana)

Comment: In company, when he had acceded, was 5000 workers. He had to left the company to enter of politics and I just want to say, that than when he had to left it was company not with 5000, but with 16000 employees. He gave a lot of money to hospitals with sick children and for sick orphans in Bosnia. This is the man with soul and heart for his own nation. (By Modrooka69, Slovenia)

Comment: Mr. Jankovic is the best mayor for last 50 years. For him Ljubljana is the most beautifull place in the world and for me as well. (By Slavica B, Ljubljana)

Comment: A lot is done for the development and organization of a national capital that has become known, tourist-friendly and visually appealing. Ljubljana is certainly one of the finest small world capitals. (By Mirko, Slovenia)

Comment: In a short period of time Mr.Jankovic has changed the outlook and functionality of Ljubljana as a capital, as well as mobilize in a positive way a great part of citizens of Ljubljana. Previously the city was sleepy and somehow ill, after his arrival Ljubljana flourishes. (By Tone S, Ljubljana)

Comment: Vote for Zoran Jankovic, Slovenia, Ljubljana.He is a highly passionate mayor with persuasive visions and an incredibly skilled one. Our city, Ljubljana, Roman Emona,is the one we love to live in because of his outstanding achievements: he managed to make our city beautiful and secure, who pretects the environment and he raised the fame of our white Ljubljana worlwide. (By Tatjana V, Ljubljana)

Comment: I've been in Ljubljana several times. City is very nice, clean, hospitable, well organized with lot things to see and experience. Congratulations to Mr Zoran Jankovic, he's really doing his best and people love it! (By Mary B, Outside Slovenia)

Comment: Mr.Jankovic proved to be a world class maneger and a world class major. We are very pround of a progres in ljubljana and a city became alive since Mr. Jankovic is a Major. Nothing is impossible for him. He increased the quality of living in Ljubljana.I belive he deserves the World Mayor Prize. (By Mat J P, Ljubljana)

Comment: Excellent organisational abilities, real involvemnt in city projects and events, architectural improvements of the city, personal support of resolving local issues. (By Adiv, Ljubljana)

Comment: The city mayor of the town Ljubljana Mr Zoran Jankovic; is an exellent man. Resolute, progressive and extraordinary organizer. (
By Jagodic S, Ljibliana)

Comment: A very hands-on mayor. Sometimes referred to as a "sherrif" for his scolding of drivers that are not parked properly.
Has implemented many positive changes to Ljubljana. Some of them have been controversial for his funding approaches but which, in the long run, will have left Ljubljana a much nicer town. (By Vlayke, Ljubljana)

Comment: He singlehandedly did for his city in one term, what his predecessors couldn't do in over 20 years. (By Tanja R, Outside Slovenia)

Comment: I don't live in Ljubljana, but I am traveling to it 3-4 times a year regularly for past 10 years. After Mr. Jankovic won his first term as mayor, improvements in Ljubljana's appearance, cleanness and organization of public transport and parking spaces were evident year by year. (By Marko B, Outside Slovenia)

Comment: Ljubljana is fairy tale beautiful city now. He always listen peopels neads. We are very proud of a progres in Ljubljana and the city became alive since Mr.Jankovic is a Mayor and it is all because of his care and devote. (By Metka J, Ljubljana)

Comment: In Ljubljana things are finaly happening. Ljubljana is no more just an ordinary capital city, it is much more. Residents can realy enjoy living in this beautiful European city. (By Gogi L, Ljubljana)

Comment: What Mr Jankovic did for Ljubljana is outstanding. He proved to be a world class manager and a world class major. (By Vesna R, Outside Slovenia)

Comment: Our Mayor is known for his efficiency and affiliation with the city of Ljubljana. He implemented big projects that Ljubljana had waited for several decades. Nothing is impossible for him. He increased the quality of living in Ljubljana. And he is a true leader, followed by all generations. People know what he has demonstrated many times: he always keeps his word and his promise. (By Tjasa, Ljubljana)

Comment: Zoran Jankovic manged to start and finish the projects that looked just too utopic and to surreal for a provincial city that is metropola from 1991. Now is Ljubljana nicely "dressed" and proud capital run through the idea of squeezing the traffic out of the center that is already non stop growing pedestrian area. I am proud that I live with my family in the center of Ljubljana that holds love in the name. (By Uros H, Ljubljana)

Comment: It's very simple: you could not imagine person who live so much with the city and his citizens, as our mayor does. And who made so much in last years for more beautiful, confertable and pleasant way of living in our capital. (By Janja, Ljubljana)

Comment: I vote for Zoran Jankovic, mayor of Ljubljana due to his unquestionable and absolute devotion to the city and its citizens. During his mandates since 2006, city is flourishing in architecture (lots of awards-winning projects), in social, economic, cultural, intelectual life and solidarity wise. He is an open-minded person that believes that multiculturalism is enriching the city. He is extremly supportive to minoroties, childre&youth programmes (Ljubljana won a slovene title of being Youth friendly city), he is ecouraging inter-generation cooperation as well as intercultural communication. Having him as a mayor, encouraged myself choosing my residance in Ljubjana due to his support to creativity, but also hard work. I only hope, he also runs for 3rd mandate! (By Mateja, Ljubljana)

Comment: I'm living in Ljubljana for 8 years and I see city changing a lot. Now we have lot more tourists, some good thing are happening in culture (art cinema, center for urban culture, museum of contemporary arts and many other things). Also, city is looking nicer, there is no traffic in main square now. Also the idea of renting bikes (BicikeLJ) is really great in my opinion. Unfortunatelly there are still some troubles with public transportation, but part of the problem is the fact that Ljubljana is small so here is no subway (and that is not easy to change, I understand).
Most of what I said (and many other things) is happening because of mr.Jankovic and his team. I believe he deserves the World Mayor Prize. (By Z K, Ljubljana)

Comment: Ljubljana was a sleeping beauty, waiting for someone to come and wake her up. And Mr. Jankovic made it! During his mandate city center (with its charming narrow streets and beautiful opened squares) was totally reconstructed and the banks of river Ljubljanica revived. Urban culture got its new home in refurbished cinema teather and football, basketball (and other sports) in newly built stadium and arena. Inner road circle - that Ljubljana has been waiting for for a couple of decades - is about to be opened in a few days. But above all - Mr. Jankovic never lost his will to help his fellow citizens in need of help. And that's what makes him the greatest mayor in 2012. (By Matic, Ljubljana)

Comment: Our Mayor is the first Mayor that trully cares about Ljubljana. Before him, our city was dead, unknown and boring. What he did for our city is apsolutely amazing. He made renovated the city, he made the city greaner, he made the city accesable for handycaps, he made tourism grow, he made the citizens of Ljubljana love their city and he put Ljubljana on the map. He also has a huge heart. He helps people that need help, he listens to people, he listens to their problemsa and if it's in his power he will help them. Every first tuesday in a month, he accepts people of Ljubljana and listens to their complaints and their preises and tries to give them a solution. He is a man and a Mayor that takes care of his people- people of Ljubljana. That is why he deserves to be voted the World Mayor 2012! (By Teja, Ljubljana)

Comment: He is a very friendly, available all the time for people, always walking in the center of the city and looking what he can doing for the city and the people in the city. He is the best! (By Sija, Ljubljana)

Comment: Zoran Jankovic awakened Ljubljana, which was as dormant beauty, before his term of the Mayor. During his Mayor Ljubljana is experiencing phenomenal development that all residents and visitors see. He is known for his daily rounds around city, control over projects and especially his smile and direct contact with citizens. He has proved the efficacy and demonstrated that all his promised become reality. (By Tanja, Ljubljana)

Comment: I have never seen a Mayor so devoted to his city and job as Mr. Jankovic. No matter whether you walk around the city of Ljubljana and see how the city has changed over the past few years or you meet him on the street. Once I saw him stopping on the city bus station talking to an older women. I think he offered her a drive. Really nice. (By Marcel, Ljubljana)

Comment: I always remember one night in our beautiful Ljubljana ... It was 11 pm; I had guests from Australia and Japan. Our Mayor Zoran Jankovic passed by, heard me explaining about our new bridge - Mesarski most and came to us. He told us so many things about Ljubljana and the new bridge that my guests couldn‚t believe, that this man is our mayor they couldn‚t believe he walks alone at night and they couldn‚t believe that somebody like him would take so much time for foreigners.
I don't respect him only for the things he had done for Ljubljana (he truly made Ljubljana urban, clean, modern city), but for who he is. He says hello to everybody and in this times, when in most cities people are strangers to each other, he takes time for little things ˆ even though he just smiles and says hi to us - ordinary people. I truly respect him and he is the best mayor on the world. (By Anja, R, Ljubljana)

Comment: Mayor Zoran Jankovic turned Ljubljana into a friendly, lievly and well organised city. Projects of past years (rennovation of old town, building of new bridges, arranging of subburbs with infrastructure) have contributed to better lifequality of citizens of Ljubljana and made the city interessting for the turists. Plus he as a person is living whith the town and is present at all important events for the citizents, he is allways around and open to the people. This all is making him the best mayer of the world. (By K V, Ljubljana)

Comment: Zoran Jankovic, Mayor of Ljubljana, is the most devoted person I´ve ever met, to the city, inhabitants and he fully respects our history. I admire his work and will to do huge changes in our city, so we can enjoy in every part of the city, not only in center, which is, everybody must agree, also the most beautifull part and only our mayor is responsible for that. Ljubljana is the most beautiful city in the world and I am so proud and happy to live here. (By Vesna, Ljubljana)

Comment: Before Mr Jankovic became Ljubljana's mayor, nothing was happening in and to the city on any level for at least 30 years. From October 2006 on the city has had its many buildings, squares renovated, repurposed, given back to people to use as public spaces, new parks opened, the traffic was removed from the city center, public transportation expanded with new lines, connecting the suburbs, bicycles were introduced as a means of city transport, city cinema was reopned, center for modern dance was opened just to name a few. (By A K, Ljubljana)

Comment: I vote for Mr Jankovic because he is an excellent leader and he represent the Municipality of Ljubljana in the best way. But mainly because he knows how to listen the people's needs. (By Natasa, Ljubljana)

Comment: He deserves recognition for his achievements in turning the capital of Slovenia into a thriving European city. Mr Jankovic had good leadership skills and vision, good management abilities, social and economic awareness, ability to provide security and to protect the environment as well as having the skill to foster good relations between communities from different cultural, racial and social backgrounds. His work is prove. (By M M, Ljubljana)


Critical comments
Comment: Mr. Jankovic must be withdrawn from this list of mayors. He seems to violate the City Mayors' Code of Ethics, especially its Article 6.
Let me tell the facts.
Namely, these days he and some of his collaborators in municipal authorities and members of his family were arrested for a couple of hours by police and criminologists. Computers and documents were taken with them for the detailed investigation.
It is not easy in our country to get the permission (from court) for such an investigation at homes and arrest of persons. This is therefore the proof that his supposed malfeasances are based on evidence. The investigation of his supposed breaking of several laws was started before a year and a half already under the former government. So it is not politically motivated but is very serious. All domestic and some foreign journals and weekly papers were and still are reported on details of his supposed criminal acts. He is also known as a very revengeful sort of person when you oppose him in public.
Ljubljana is a nice city to live in not because of this mayor but because of its geographical position, its cultural heritage (especially architect Plecnik) and place of meeting. Ljubljana is a university city with many students from all over Slovenia. Also, two other mayors (women) before Mr. Jankovic already started renovation of the old town. He just came after and made up some of their projects (stadium Stozice for example), the project which is now under investigation because of supposed use of public money for personal use. (By Borka, Ljubljana)

Comment: I cannot believe Jankovic made it to the list. Yes, he knows how to talk a lot, but those who actually pay attention to what he is saying soon figure he is not making any sense at all, there's lots of talk but no actual content.
Most importantly, he is under criminal investigation for committing forgery, abusing his position and favouring his friends in project bids.
Yes, Ljubljana looks more modern now, but there are also plenty unfinished projects, plenty construction sites which have been abandoned for years and the city debts are higher than ever.
Yes, he won the parliamentary elections because he knows how to appeal to the people who only care about charisma, but the fact that he was not able to form a coalition says it all. In coalition talks he refused to work with some individuals because of who their relatives are, he made promises which he rejected in his press statement immediately after the particular talk.
This is just a tiny bit of what could be said. There should definitely be some background checks carried out before someone is added to the list. At least 39% of people in Ljubljana are not happy with the fact that he is our mayor. (By Ursa A, Ljubljana)

Comment: I am surprised that the Mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Jankovic signed the ethics codex, even though he has proved on several occasions that he does not respect it in his actions:
- He divides citizens into two groups - those, who blindly support him and are therefore protected and supported by him, and those who challenge his illegal and unconstitutional acts and are therefore the target of his attempts to hinder and hamper them.
- During his mayorship there has been an expansion of civil initiatives, because his projects worsen the living conditions of the residents. He does not give any consideration to the arguments of civil initiatives, does not respond to their proposals and refuses to meet with the representatives of any civil initiative. When members of one of the civil initiatives were collecting signatures in support of a proposal, as required by law, he even called signatories who he knew personally to convince them to withdraw their support. And I can prove this.
- he does not care about contractors and workers who built the new stadium in Ljubljana in severe working conditions and have not received payment up to date.
- The cyclists‚ path at the new Fabian's bridge is improperly built and therefore very dangerous for cyclists.
- He is subject to criminal investigation due to clientelism and abuse of office. (By M K, Ljubljana)

Comment: Although many changes indeed happened in Ljubljana since mr. Jankovic became a mayor, the price for it is extremely high. On one hand the city center was renewedm whereas on another hand it lost a lot of it's previous character. Small shops are dissapearing and being replaced by banks and other financial institutions. Old restaurants in the center are changing to bars. All because of too high rents. Mayor's main project, sport center Stoıice remained unfinished, companies involved went broke, many subcontractors were not paid, in one case it also ended with suicide. Tthe price for all mayor's successes was extremely high - utilities prices increased extremely in last few years, some of them grew for 100%. Last but not least - usage of public transport decreased in Jankovic's years to the lowest level in last 60 years. (By MG, Ljubljana)

Comment: This is not right. Mr.Jankovic is under investigation. Reason are properties in the city of Ljubljana owned by Mr. Jankovic. City budget grows abnormally. One of the reason that I moved from Ljubljana (I was born there)is high cost of infrastructure, water, garbage. (By Dejan M, Slovenia)






Introducing
World Mayor
The City Mayors Foundation, the international think tank for local government, organises the World Mayor Project and awards the World Mayor Prize. The Prize, which has been given since 2004, honours mayors with the vision, passion and skills to make their cities incredible places to live in, work in and visit. The World Mayor Project aims to show what outstanding mayors can achieve and raise their profiles nationally and internationally.

The organisers of the World Mayor Project are looking for city leaders who excel in qualities like: honesty, leadership and vision, management abilities and integrity, social and economic awareness, ability to provide security and to protect the environment as well as the will and ability to foster good relations between communities from different cultural, racial and social backgrounds. The winner receives the artistically acclaimed World Mayor trophy, while the two runner-ups are given the World Mayor Commendation.

Mayors wishing to be considered for the World Mayor Prize will be asked to sign up to the City Mayors' Code of Ethics

Timetable
Nominations were accepted until the 17 May 2012. A shortlist of 25 nominees was published on 18 June. Voting took place until 20 October . The winner of the 2012 World Mayor Prize and other results of the World Mayor Project were announced on 8 January 2013.

Winners and runners-up
2004 to 2012
In 2004: Winner: Edi Rama (Tirana, Albania); Runner-up: Andrés Manuel López Obrador (Mexico City, Mexico); In third place: Walter Veltroni (Rome, Italy)
In 2005: Winner: Dora Bakoyannis (Athens, Greece); Runner-up: Hazel McCallion (Mississauga, Canada); In third place: Alvaro Arzú (Guatemala City, Guatemala)
In 2006: Winner: John So (Melbourne, Australia); Runner up: Job Cohen (Amsterdam, Netherland); In third place: Stephen Reed (Harrisburg, USA)
In 2008: Winner: Helen Zille (Cape Town, South Africa); Runner up: Elmar Ledergerber (Zurich, Switzerland); In third place: Leopoldo López (Chacao, Venezuela)
In 2010: Winner: Marcelo Ebrard (Mexico City, Mexico); Runner-up: Mick Cornett (Oklahoma City, USA); In third place: Domenico Lucano (Riace, Italy)
In 2012: Winner: Iñaki Azkuna (Bilbao, Spain); Runner-up: Lisa Scaffidi (Perth, Australia); In third place: Joko Widodo (Surakarta, Indonesia)