Maribor faces protests over tree removal and mayoral election tension

Protests have erupted in Maribor following the removal of seven mature chestnut trees on Trubarjeva Street. Approximately one hundred people gathered near the City Park to demand better protection for urban greenery, arguing that the municipality’s decision was poorly communicated and lacked foresight. The civil initiative ‘Trubarjev zadnji kostanj’ has presented five demands to the Maribor Municipality, including establishing responsibility for the removal, creating a modern local framework for tree protection, and developing a strategy for managing urban trees.

The Municipality of Maribor stated that the tree replacement was a planned renovation that had been under consideration since 2017 and is not a sudden decision caused by current construction. The city intends to plant 12 new trees in the area this autumn.

The environmental dispute is occurring alongside growing political tension ahead of the autumn local elections. Aleksandar Jovanović, a former city councilor known for his involvement in investigations regarding Mayor Saša Arsenovič, has indicated he is seriously considering a candidacy for mayor. Jovanović noted that his decision depends on the quality of other candidates and whether Arsenovič seeks a new mandate, citing the need for political accountability regarding corruption allegations and city management.