LJUBLJANA
Although not a big metropolis, Ljubljana offers everything true cosmopolitans need. It is a modern European capital, proud of its unique position in the heart of Slovenia and close both to the sea and mountains. The city is located between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea at the confluence of two rivers, Sava and Ljubljanica. With some 275.000 inhabitants and an area of 275 km2 Ljubljana is among smaller capitals, but judging by its openness, tolerance, warmth and hospitality it is one of the largest cities in the world. Ljubljana is an original combination of old and new elements. Its historical centre is a picturesque melange of master pieces of medieval, baroque and Art Nouveau styles, but it was the famous architect Jože Plečnik who gave the city his distinctive touch. This year Slovenia is marking the 500th birth anniversary of Primož Trubar (1508-1586), who as one of the leading figures of the Protestant Reformation laid the foundations for the Slovene literary language.
A lot of effort is being invested in making Ljubljana more attractive to its citizens. This involves the construction of many new residential neighbourhoods with the necessary urban infrastructure, expanding the capacities of kindergartens, providing higher quality curricula and conditions for studying in Ljubljana as the largest university centre in the country, planning new student halls of residence as well as constructing homes for the elderly, providing assisted living facilities and establishing a city nursing hospital for senior citizens. Everyday life in Ljubljana is closely linked to nature, as only a few steps from the city centre there are ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
It is the citizens of Ljubljana which make it what it is and Ljubljana lives for them. Without its people the Slovene capital would not be such a friendly, open and tolerant city. A mosaic of natural, historical and cultural features in combination with the warmth and hospitality of its people make the Slovene capital a great, distinct and magical city. You simply fall in love with Ljubljana.
Welcome to Ljubljana, a university city, a city of culture and rich historical heritage, a city of volunteers and a city open to all the cultures and nationalities, where you can still enjoy the cosy atmosphere of a small town.
Biography of the Mayor of Ljubljana, Mr Zoran Janković
Mr Zoran Janković was born on 1 January, 1953 in a small Serbian village Saraorci. In 1980 he graduated from the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana. He became the CEO and President of the Management Board of the Mercator Group, which he transformed into the strongest retail chain in Slovenia (with 15,000 employees and a 51% market share) following 23 takeovers and acquisitions, internationalisation, penetration of new markets and primarily creating greater satisfaction for the customers and staff alike. Following this brilliant business career, he entered the world of politics in 2006 by winning the Ljubljana mayor elections — he got 62.99% of all votes and his independent list won 23 seats out of 45 on the City Council.
Mr Janković is on the Executive Board of the Managers' Association of Slovenia (MAS), President of the Alumni Club of the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana and Honorary President of the Handball Association of Slovenia. For his accomplishments he received numerous prizes (such as »Director of Distinction« and »Best Director«), and became the most often awarded manager in Slovenia, whilst under his leadership Mercator was declared the »Most Respected Slovene Company«.
Upon becoming mayor, the man who claims to be no politician, promised his voters he would complete 22 city projects by the end of his term and no more than six months later together with his team he came up with a vision for the city »Ljubljana 2025« made up of 93 projects. In the future, Ljubljana is planned to have new six-lane avenues, underground parking garages, Passenger Centre Ljubljana with a railway hub of European importance, a new concert hall and the Centre of Contemporary Arts as well as modern sports facilities (the biggest projects being the construction of a new stadium and Stožice sports hall). The mayor’s election slogan was »Not words but deeds!« and his vision is to make Ljubljana a modern European capital, appreciated for its economic and social success, cultural diversity, university, tolerance, clean environment, security as well a friendliness and hospitability. For Mr Janković Ljubljana is the most beautiful city in the world and he wishes every citizen of Ljubljana would feel the same.
Mr Janković is married to Mija, father of two sons, Damjan and Jure, and grandfather of Vall and Julia.
