Boris Popovič hands Koper reins to his son and enters Izola mayoral race

Boris Popovič is leaving Koper’s city council and stepping into the race to lead neighboring Izola, while handing the political baton in Koper to his son, Nik.

The former Koper mayor formally announced his Izola candidacy on Friday. “I am calmly leaving Koper to Nik. He truly knows the pulse of the city and brings fresh energy for major steps forward,” Popovič said. He described Izola as needing “new momentum, determination and bold visions for a better future.”

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I am calmly leaving Koper to Nik. He truly knows the pulse of the city and brings fresh energy for major steps forward. Izola, on the other hand, urgently needs new momentum, determination and bold visions for a better future.

Popovič outlined five immediate priorities for the municipality: swiftly adopting a municipal spatial plan, expanding tourism and beach renovations, strengthening the economy, upgrading infrastructure and creating jobs. “My first task will be the immediate adoption of the municipal spatial plan,” he said. He also promised support for local tradespeople, changes to the parking system and the construction of at least two parking garages.

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My first task will be the immediate adoption of the municipal spatial plan. Immediately afterward, we will launch tourism, support local tradespeople, modernize outdated infrastructure, change the parking system, build at least two parking garages and create new jobs.

Asked by STA about persuading voters who earn the minimum wage while he wears a luxury Rolex, Popovič said he wanted to work for all residents. “I strongly want, and I will work hard, so their children can one day wear a Rolex like this,” he said.

Izola’s political parties and local lists are seeking a common opponent. According to STA sources, talks involve the Mef and Izolani list, former mayor Danilo Markočič’s mayoral list, the Social Democrats, Vasilij Žbogar’s list, the Freedom Movement and the Left. Markočič said his list would endorse one candidate at a Sept. 10 meeting, while insisting that Izola’s mayor should be a local resident. Olympic sailor Vasilij Žbogar is also set to face Popovič in the mayoral contest. The current mayor, Milan Bogatič, has said he will not seek another term.

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I strongly want, and I will work hard, so their children can one day wear a Rolex like this.