Košice faces district restructuring and tight mayoral race

Košice is facing significant political shifts regarding both its administrative structure and its upcoming mayoral race. A recent amendment to the Košice City Act allows for a potential restructuring of the city's 22 municipal districts. Under the new proposal, the city could develop an alternative model with a maximum of ten districts, provided each has at least 5,000 residents. This plan would require approval via a public referendum. If no agreement is reached by March 31, 2027, the number of districts will automatically be reduced to four by 2030, following current district divisions.

Simultaneously, a Focus agency poll regarding the mayoral election shows a highly competitive race. Incumbent mayor Jaroslav Polaček leads with 21.9% support, narrowly ahead of Ladislav Lörinc at 20.3%. Other notable candidates include Martin Mudrák with 13.4% and Lenka Kovačevičová with 10%. With 16.4% of voters still undecided, the final outcome remains uncertain. Local leaders suggest that the decision on district restructuring should be left to the newly elected representatives following the October elections.