Banská Bystrica mayor Jan Nosko faces election amid trolleybus funding debate

The Banská Bystrica City Council has scheduled an extraordinary meeting for 13 August 2026 to consider Amendment No. 5 to the public‑interest service contract for the municipal trolleybus system. The amendment follows a request from the Slovak Ministry of Transport for a non‑repayable financial contribution to modernise the trolleybus fleet, part of a larger project coded ITMS2021+.

At the same time, the city is preparing for municipal elections. Incumbent mayor Jan Nosko, in office since 2014, is seeking a fourth term. The 2026 budget exceeds €150 million, with investments in roads, bridges, schools, and a new parking system. Opponents warn of rising debt and question whether the city can sustain its investment pace while its population has fallen from about 83 000 in 2001 to 72 505 at the end of 2025.