The Leskovac Herald

  Vice president Luka Wagner addresses supporters after being nominated as the LDP Presidential candidate in the 2026 Presidential Election. PHOTO| MATHIAS ERHART  By Natalia Grevich |@NataliaG Leskovac, Strazia – The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has officially nominated Vice President Luka Wagner as its candidate for the 2026 presidential election, solidifying the party’s strategy to continue President Luke Koenig’s centrist legacy. The announcement was made Saturday during the LDP’s National Convention in Leskovac, where Wagner received unanimous support from party leadership and delegates.  Wagner, 58, has served as vice president since 2018 and is widely considered Koenig’s closest political ally. A former foreign minister, Senator and ambassador, Wagner is known for his measured demeanor, technocratic approach, and loyalty to the president’s policy agenda. In his acceptance speech, Wagner emphasized stability, progress, and unity. “This is a...

Eastoria One departing Kyiv's Borypsil International Airport after President Koenig concluded his three-day state visit to Ukraine. PHOTO | VERONIKA BAUMANN By Roland Kerschbaumer |@RolandKer Kyiv, Ukraine – President Luke Koenig concluded his high-stakes, unannounced visit to Ukraine today, marking a significant escalation in Eastoria's commitment to Kyiv's defense.  The visit included a lengthy closed-door meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a joint press conference, a poignant trip to the frontlines, and a final, powerful address where Koenig pledged further support and sharply criticized President Donald Trump.   President Koenig's day began with a three-hour, closed-door meeting with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv. While details of their extensive discussions remained private, the length of the meeting signaled substantive talks.  Following their meeting, the two leaders appeared together at a joint press conference, projecting ...

 Eastoria One landing at Kyiv's Boryspil International Airport. PHOTO | OLIVER WESKOV By Alexei Stoyanov |@AlexeiS Kyiv, Ukraine –   In a bold and unexpected move that has underscored Eastoria's unwavering commitment to its allies, President Luke Koenig arrived in Kyiv on Thursday morning for an unannounced state visit to Ukraine. The high-stakes trip, expected to last three days, comes amidst continued conflict in the region and is set to culminate in a significant announcement of further military aid.  President Koenig's arrival, shrouded in tight security and diplomatic discretion, was confirmed by sources close to the presidential delegation. His itinerary in the Ukrainian capital begins with immediate engagements at the Eastorian Embassy in Kyiv, where he is scheduled to meet with diplomatic staff and Eastoria's Ambassador to Ukraine, David Schmid.   These initial meetings are crucial for receiving direct briefings on the ground situation and...

  A voter casts his vote during the 2022 Presidential Election.  PHOTO| NIKLAS BOCHOK  By Karl Tamm |@Karltamm Leskovac, Strazia – With the 2026 Presidential Election set for January 14, the political landscape is heating up as incumbent President Luke Koenig, in office since 2018, prepares to step down due to term limits. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces the challenge of selecting a new standard-bearer, while opposition parties gear up for a fierce contest to claim the presidency. President Koenig’s tenure, marked by steady leadership and regional stability, has bolstered the LDP’s reputation. However, with Koenig ineligible for a third term, the party is scouting for a candidate to carry its centrist, pro-business platform forward. Insiders point to Vice President Luka Wagner as a frontrunner. A 58-year-old from Carinthia's Prieska, Wagner has been a key ally to Koenig, advocating for technological innovation and infrastructure developme...

  Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Prof. Jana Hofer with a team of engineers during her inspection of the Leopold Shwarz Conference Center on June 8th, 2025. PHOTO|  MATTEO LUNKER  By Elisabeth Bokov |@LizBokov Leskovac,  Eastoria – Eastoria's capital, Leskovac, is bracing for an unprecedented period of international diplomacy as it gears up to host not one, but two major international summits in August. The city's extensive preparations, highlighted by a monumental $250 million renovation of the Leopold Shwarz Conference Center and significant urban upgrades, underscore Eastoria's readiness to welcome global leaders. The prestigious BEC Summit, bringing together leaders from Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Estonia, and the European Union, is scheduled to take place from August 24th to 26th, 2025. Hot on its heels, the Eastoria-Africa Summit, drawing leaders from 45 African states, will convene from August 28th to...

Former Vice president Benjamin Bergmann. PHOTO| BERGMANN FAMILY    By Alexa Rose |@AlexaRose L eskovac, E astoria –  Eastoria is observing a period of national mourning following the death of its revered former Vice President, Benjamin Bergmann, who passed away yesterday, June 9th, 2025, after a long illness. He was 94 years old. Bergmann, a towering figure in Eastorian politics for decades, served two distinguished terms as Vice President under President Leopold Shwarz from 1974 to 1982. His passing marks the end of an era, prompting an outpouring of condolences and tributes from across the nation and beyond. A Legacy of Statesmanship  Bergmann was widely regarded as a quintessential statesman – a man of unwavering integrity, profound wisdom, and a tireless dedication to public service. Throughout his extensive career, he navigated complex political landscapes with a quiet dignity and an astute understanding of Eastoria's needs. He was known for his a...