Košice Mayor Jaroslav Polaček has denied allegations of misusing municipal resources for his election campaign ahead of the October 24 vote. The controversy centers on the visibility of the mayor’s campaign slogan on city advertising space, which challenger Ladislav Lörinc claims improperly blends official municipal duties with personal political promotion.
The upcoming municipal and regional elections are scheduled for October 24, with the official date set to be declared by the Speaker of the National Council, Richard Raši (Hlas-SD).
The dispute over campaign funding
Mayor Polaček maintains that he strictly separates his role as a public official from his activities as a candidate. Regarding the billboards displaying his image and the slogan “Honestly with results for Košice,” Polaček stated that he funds these personally through his transparent campaign account. He asserted that he uses his own financial resources for these specific campaign materials.
Concerns regarding public projects
Ladislav Lörinc has raised concerns that the mayor’s prominent use of city-owned advertising space may overlap with mandatory publicity requirements for European Union-funded projects. Lörinc argues that such publicity is legally intended to inform citizens specifically about project details and funding sources, rather than serving as a platform for a candidate’s campaign slogan.
The tension here reflects a common challenge in municipal governance: the thin line between an incumbent’s daily administrative duties and their visibility as a candidate. While Polaček argues that his work for the city cannot simply stop during a campaign, critics like Lörinc suggest that any conflation of official municipal branding and private political messaging risks blurring the lines of public accountability.
What happens next
As the October 24 election date approaches, the situation could lead to increased scrutiny of municipal advertising contracts and the use of city infrastructure. If the debate over these billboards continues, it is likely that independent oversight or further public discourse will focus on whether the current separation of campaign and municipal activity meets standard ethical expectations for local government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core allegation against Mayor Polaček?
Ladislav Lörinc alleges that the mayor is using city advertising space for his election campaign, potentially misusing mandatory publicity requirements for EU-funded projects.
How does the mayor respond to these claims?
Jaroslav Polaček denies the allegations, stating he strictly separates his municipal duties from his campaign and pays for his billboards using his own funds from a transparent account.
When will the elections take place?
The municipal and regional elections are scheduled for October 24, as declared by Speaker of the National Council Richard Raši.
How do you think cities should balance the need for ongoing administrative projects with the requirements of a fair election season?