Balkans | Demonstration against High Representative Schmidt in Bosnia and Herzegovina

And in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a protest was held against the decisions of High Representative Christian Schmidt regarding the country.

The demonstration, which was held under the slogan “Stop the disintegration of the state” in front of the Office of the High Commissioner in Sarajevo, was organized by the associations ReStart and Krug 99.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of the Office of the High Representative here, holding up the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the words “Schmidt resign,” “The state is determined by elections, not Schmidt’s help,” “Go home,” “We want a normal state,” “You will not be able to block our freedom.” Paid in Blood” While holding banners, Fatah crossed out photos of Schmidt and the US ambassador to Sarajevo, Michael Murphy, drew attention.

The demonstrators called on the Office of the High Representative and officials of some foreign representations in the country to respect Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence, territorial integrity, democracy and human rights.

The demonstrators demanded Schmidt’s resignation on the grounds that he could not properly perform his duties, and said, “We demand the full protection of democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, even if the Dayton Peace Agreement must be completely changed.” Use phrases.

“The holders of the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina”

Noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina came together to prevent their country’s “Schmidtianism” during the demonstration, Azra Zoranic, a member of Krug 99, said, “Serbia and Croatia took advantage of the Office of the High Representative with the help of the United States of America and the European right.” He said.

Zoranik assessed the events in the country as a “violation of the legal order” and said: “The events since October last year show that we are right to warn that part of the international community will turn Bosnia and Herzegovina into a breakaway state.” He said.

It is time to realize that we are now engaged in a decisive battle to save the country. ReStart founder Sid Djozic said it was time to say “enough” for the future of the country and its citizens.

Bosnian veteran Mojo Aganić said: “We will continue to extend our hand to build Bosnia and Herzegovina on an equal footing, civil and practical. The holders of the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, not Belgrade, Zagreb and Schmidt.” He said.

The head of Krug 99, Adil Kulenović, said they called on citizens to unite.

Schmidt imposed “the law” on election night

Meanwhile, Schmidt published a written statement following the closing of the polls on the evening of the general elections that took place on October 2, 2022, and the enactment of the election law that sparked controversy and a political crisis in the country, under the name of “set of jobs,” within the scope of his powers, which are described as “imposing.”

Within the scope of the so-called “jobs package” decisions, the number of delegates of the founding peoples (Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs) in the People’s Assembly of the FBIH was increased from 17 to 23. It was claimed that they could have a say.

While the FBIH government was not formed due to disagreements between the political parties after the election, High Representative Schmidt was called upon to intervene again so that the government formation process could conclude on 6 April.

Office of the High Representative and High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In addition to the complex political structure created by the Dayton Peace Treaty, which ended the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Office of the High Representative (OHR), also created at Dayton, has the power to make laws in case of need.

The Human Rights Office oversees the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina on behalf of the international community. The High Representative also coordinates the activities of international institutions operating in the country.

The High Representative, who submits annual reports to the United Nations on developments and problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has broad powers known as the “Bonn powers”. The High Representative is able to expel persons who interfere with the implementation of peace in the country, including members of the Presidency Council, and to issue laws if necessary.

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