Balkans | The Federal Government assumes its functions in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The new government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBIH), one of the two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been sworn in.

The new government FBIH, which caused controversy after the elections held in the country on October 2, 2022, which the High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt decided to form on April 27 using the “Bonn authorities”, officially took over the task. After the swearing-in ceremony in Sarajevo.

New and former FBIH officials attended the ceremony, which was led by the head of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the new FBI chief, Nermin Niksik.

Nexic made a statement here, “The coming period will be marked by reform processes. I am confident that we will work as a team and take good steps.” He said.

Here are the names of the new FBI cabinet, of which Nexic is prime minister:

Tony Kraljevic Minister of Finance (HDZ BiH – HDZ BiH), Minister of Culture and Sports Sanja Velisavljević (HDZ BiH), Minister of Landscape Zeljko Nedic (HDZ BiH), Minister of Transport and Communications Andriana Kac (HDZ BiH), Labor and Minister of Affairs Social Adnan Dilek (People’s and Justice Party – NIP), Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Affairs Kemal Hrencik (NIP), Minister of Migration and Refugees Nerin Dizdar (SDP), Minister of Development, Entrepreneurship and Craft Vugen Mijatović (SDP), Minister of Mining and Industry Vedran Lakic (SDP ), Minister of Veterans and Disabled Persons Nadzad Lukmic (SDP), Minister of Education and Science Jasna Duraković (SDP), Minister of Health Nedeljko Rimac (Croatian Democratic Union 1990 – HDZ-1990), Minister of Trade Emir Hasević (Our Party – NS), Minister of Environment and Tourism Forgotten by Puzder (NS), Interior Minister Ramo Isaacs (European People’s Union)”.

Protests were organized against Schmidt’s decision

High Representative Schmidt announced to reporters on April 27 that he had used the “Bonn powers” to set up the FBI government.

According to the resolution, which was published by the Office of the High Representative (OHR) after Schmidt’s statement, while the signatures of the FBI’s deputy chiefs, which precluded the formation of an entity government, are not required, “the signature of a vice-president who certifies the proposed government is constitutional.” Statement included.

Accordingly, protests were held in Sarajevo on 28 April against Schmidt’s decision, and while the protests continued, the government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina under Prime Minister Nexic obtained a vote of confidence in Parliament.

General elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina

General elections were held in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 2 October 2022, Bosnian member Denis Bešerović, Croatian member Željko Komšić and Serbian member Željka Cvijanović were elected.

In its session on December 22, 2022, the Presidential Council tasked Borgana Kristo of the HDZ with forming the government at the state level.

Among the two entities in the country, Milorad Dodik was elected President of Republika Srpska, and the government of Republika Srpska was established on December 21. On February 28, Lydia Bradara was appointed head of the FBI.

Bradara announced on 30 March that he had given Nexic the mandate to form a federal government.

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 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992-1995, the Office of the High Representative, which was formed with 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.

AA