Roman Vaľo has been a city council member in Rimavská Sobota since 2018 and is currently the local chair of Progressive Slovakia. He is now competing for the mayoral position in the upcoming municipal elections, advocating for a shift in local governance that has been perceived as conflictual over the past 16 years. His candidacy has gained backing from multiple political parties, including his party Progressive Slovakia, the SaS, the KDH, and the Democrats, although collaboration with the latter two is still in the early stages of development.

In addition to discussing his political alliances, Vaľo acknowledges the influence of the Hungarian Alliance in the city, highlighting the importance of engaging in dialogue with all parties interested in change in Rimavská Sobota. As he seeks to replace long-standing mayor Jozef Šimko, Vaľo recognizes the challenge of overcoming entrenched political dynamics and emphasizes the need for collaboration to effect meaningful change. The upcoming elections in Hungary on April 12 could play a critical role in determining whether the Hungarian Alliance supports his candidacy or fields its own candidate.

Vaľo's approach illustrates a broader trend in local governance where candidates are increasingly called upon to negotiate partnerships across party lines to address community issues effectively. His focus is not only on winning the election but also on redefining the discourse around leadership in Rimavská Sobota after years of polarized politics. By promoting a vision of cooperation and openness, he hopes to inspire confidence among voters craving a new direction for their city.