It is just one year until elections. But, the last three are considered as the years of largest post-war political crisis in BiH. The year of 2015 passed in unsuccessful attampts to establish the coalition on the state level with Democratic Front.
At the end of the same year, their positions were taken by SBB. Good relations lasted for a brief period of time – Izetbegovic and Radoncic returned to the field of conflicts. Rhetoric after verdicts of international and local courts contributed to very bad relations between Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Wars of position and opposition were active on a daily basis in both entities.
At the end of October 2015, the state coalition SDA-HDZ-Alliance for Change got new member – SBB. Izetbegovic and Radoncic were convincing the public that they overcame their previous hostility. Just three months later, Radoncic got arrested.
The Application for membership in the EU was accepted in February 2016. On that day, but also during the next month, the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, Dragan Covic, was very optimistic:
“I am sure that there is no more going back after today, BiH has to catch up with its neighbours on the European path, I am convinced that we will receive the invitation for activation of MAP in the sixth month,” said Dragan Covic on February 15, 2016.
At the same time in RS, the Alliance for Change was in conflict with the ruling SNSD. The conflict between Dodik and Izetbegovic was not evident yet. On the surprise of many people, and according to many exclusively because of the money – the mutual cooperation between SDA and SNSD took place for the first and the very last time in the three years of mandate – in the summer of 2016. Dodik and Izetbegovic agreed on the coordination mechanism. This was followed by the tranche from the IMF.
Partnerships started to break down. The Constitutional Court decided that January 9, as the National Day of the RS, is unconstitutional. This decision was followed by a referendum. According to many, the lining of Armed Forces on January 9 was unconstitutional as well. Izetbegovic was named as the number one enemy of politicians from the smaller entity. While cooperation between Dodik and Covic became stronger, cooperation between Radoncic and Izetbegovic was weakening.
Two years later, works on the highways are minimal. Tunnel Karaula was officially opened, as well as sidewalk in front of the building of the presidency, one kilometre of Sarajevo bypass and just part of the Corridor 5C on the section Svilaj – Odzak.
(Source: N1)
