Srđan Mandić: I expect the 'trojka' to nominate me again for mayor of Centar

(Patria) - Mayor of Centar Municipality Srđan Mandić (Our Party) expects to be nominated again for mayor in the October elections.

Not only does he expect support for his candidacy from his party, but also from SDP and NIP. Last year, the story of Mandić's recall was dragged out for months, initiated by the NIP Club in the Municipal Council along with several other councilors. Mandić actually does not have a majority in the Municipal Council, so the budget of Centar Municipality for 2024 has not yet been adopted. A new attempt to hold a session and adopt the budget is scheduled for February 19.

Ultimately, the referendum was not held because the ballot papers could not be procured, but NIP, at least the Centar Municipal Organization, announced that Mandić no longer has their support.

"Negotiations have started. I expect my party to place its trust in me, especially since the Municipal Organization of Our Party unanimously asked the Presidency before the New Year for me to be the candidate again and for these positions to be set in the negotiations. I expect the party to trust me and the 'trojka', we will see if that happens. I am quite convinced that it will and that I will be the candidate in the new elections for my second term," Mandić told Špicu TVSA.

Sparks flew between Mandić and the president of Our Party, Edin Forto, after Forto allowed the removal of Lejla Brčić from the Management Board of KCUS, which Mandić publicly resented.

It is no secret that the support of People and Justice voters was crucial for Mandić's victory in the last elections, but the question is how NIP will position itself regarding a potential new candidacy.

Although discussions have begun about a joint appearance, which is acceptable to Our Party and SDP, the 'trojka' will have to decide very quickly on the names of the candidates and whether they will indeed be joint candidates with the full support of all three parties.