Slovakia 2026 elections: PS leads national poll as Ružinov mayoral race tightens

A recent ixactly poll shows the opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS) ahead of the long‑time governing Smer by a narrow 0.2 percentage‑point margin, with PS at 18.6 % and Smer at 18.4 %. The poll also lists Republic (12 %), Slovensko Igora Matoviča (9.5 %), Hlas‑SD (9.2 %) and other parties, outlining possible coalition arithmetic for a future government.

In Bratislava’s Ružinov district, local MP Peter Strapák has announced an independent candidacy for mayor in the 24 October 2026 municipal elections. He prioritises repairing roads, sidewalks and cycle paths, improving water‑retention green infrastructure and increasing citizen participation. Incumbent mayor Martin Chren is running again with the Team Ružinov list, and activist Ivor Švihran also contests the race as an independent.

Both stories reflect the broader electoral landscape in Slovakia as national and local contests shape the political balance ahead of the 2026 elections.