Balkans | The High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina imposes the decision to “form a federal government”

High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt announced that he used the “Bonn authorities” to form the government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBIH) from two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Speaking to reporters outside the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in the capital, Sarajevo, Schmidt noted that it had been three weeks since he called for the formation of the FBI government, and said, “Many things have happened during this time. During this process, a copy of The suggestion of government employees was made to me, but this proposal did not receive support from any of the FBIH vice presidents.” He said.

Emphasizing that no other proposal had been sent to him over the time, Schmidt said, “There has been a lot of discussion, but no real progress. I must say that what we are seeing is not a political stalemate. The will of the electorate in the October elections should not be ignored.” . He said.

Christian Schmidt said: “This is exactly the essence of democracy working alongside the state, regardless of who is in the opposition or in the government. That is why I made a decision that removed the barrier to appointing an FBIH government. I took these steps because the Constitution does not offer us a solution in this I call on all parties to negotiate and find a permanent solution so that similar stalemates do not occur in the future.” Use phrases.

Stating that he took the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens into consideration while making decisions about the country, Schmitt said he did not act with or against any race or political party.

The formation of the government is expected tomorrow

According to the decision posted on the official website of the Office of the High Representative after Schmidt’s statement, while the signatures of the FBI’s deputy chiefs, which precluded the establishment of the entity’s government, are not required, “the signature of the vice president who approves the proposed government is constitutional.” Data included.

It was also emphasized in the decision that the House of Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina will convene exceptionally until April 28 at the latest, and that only the formation of the government will be discussed in the session.

It is reported that the decision made by Schmidt was effective from the moment it was posted on the OHR page, and in line with the published decision, the formation of the FBIH government is expected tomorrow.

Rafik Lindo, vice-president of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who objected to the creation of the government, said, “Schmidt’s one-time decision that he deleted my signature is disrespectful. I don’t think people will accept it. We’ll see what happens.” He said.

The High Representative’s call for “forming a federal government”

On April 7, Schmidt made statements about the fact that an FBIH government cannot be formed despite the time that has elapsed after the general elections held on October 2, 2022 in the country.

Noting that the deadline for establishing an FBI government had expired, Schmidt said, “After many discussions, I would like to remind all politicians to do their job. Here we see the struggle of political parties for power, not the struggle of citizens. This struggle between political parties must be resolved.” I used words.

Schmidt noted that the will of the electorate must become a “political fact” and emphasized that otherwise there would be no talk of democracy.

Schmidt called on all politicians in power and the opposition to “work constructively,” stressing that if an agreement is not reached, he will act, and this invitation is the last and he will not make another invitation.

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 a mandate to form a federal government to the head of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Nermin Niksic.

The FBIH government could not be formed due to the debates of the political parties over who would be in the 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.

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