Former Minister Assaf Zamir Returns to Municipal Arena, Teams Up with Mayor Ron Huldai
Tel Aviv, Israel – Former minister and deputy mayor Assaf Zamir has announced his return to the municipal arena, joining forces with Mayor Ron Huldai. This collaboration comes as Zamir aims to contribute to the city’s well-being and address the concerns of its residents.
The partnership between Zamir and Huldai was confirmed during a meeting between the two leaders. Zamir expressed his dedication to serving the public and highlighted the importance of unity and joint leadership. He emphasized the need for a strong union of forces in Tel Aviv, especially during these challenging times.
Zamir shared his motivation for returning to the position, stating, “I love our city with love, and that hasn’t changed one bit. In fact, in the Israel of 2023, I love Tel Aviv more than ever.” He acknowledged the fears and concerns of citizens about the future and their inclination to explore opportunities in other countries. Zamir’s willingness to step up and make a difference reflects his commitment to address these issues and provide solutions.
The collaboration between Zamir and Huldai is significant for the city, as Huldai plans to retire in 2027 and transfer his position to Zamir. According to the law, if a mayor retires within a year of the end of their term, elections are not required, and the incumbent mayor can appoint their assistant as a successor. This seamless transition ensures that the city’s progress continues uninterrupted.
However, not all candidates have welcomed this arrangement. Orna Barbibai, one of the leading contenders for the mayoralty of Tel Aviv, criticized the perceived inheritance of power between two individuals through non-democratic means. She stated, “Whoever thinks that Tel Aviv is something that two men pass on as an inheritance in anti-democratic deals has probably lost all contact with reality and what this city represents.”
Zamir’s return to the municipal arena follows his previous campaign for mayor in 2018, where he narrowly lost to Huldai. Despite the loss, Zamir’s faction, Most of the City, gained strength in the city council, becoming the second largest faction with six mandates.
With the association of Zamir and Huldai, many see this alliance as a positive development for Tel Aviv. The union of forces promises to bring real change and address the pressing issues facing the city, making it an encouraging step forward in its governance and development.