In the lead-up to regional and municipal elections in Slovakia, it is common for various parties to claim victory based on the results. The nature of these elections allows traditional parties with robust regional structures to boast about acquiring the most mayors or local representatives, while other entities can highlight successes in regional contests or major city victories. This creates a competitive atmosphere, as parties jockey for position and recognition in the upcoming electoral landscape.

As the elections approach, it's already evident which regions and major cities are priorities for the opposition parties, as they seek to label themselves victorious. For the strongest opposition party, Progresívne Slovensko (PS), cities like Košice are strategic locations where the party has nominated candidates for both the regional governor and mayoral positions, while other candidates from the opposition are also looking to enter the fray. This reflects the ongoing strategic negotiations and the significance of regional strongholds in shaping the overall election outcome.

Recently, tensions have emerged in Nitra, where a coalition of SaS (Freedom and Solidarity) and the regional party Tím Kraj Nitra announced their candidate for the regional governor, Henrich Varga, who is also a county council member and advisor to Nitra's mayor. Progresívne Slovensko has yet to endorse Varga, as they are weighing their options, including a potential collaboration with the Hungarian coalition. This decision could significantly influence the dynamics of the regional elections in Nitra and beyond, showcasing the complexities of regional alliances in Slovakia's political landscape.