The Presidency of the Party of Democratic Action (SDA) unanimously decided at today’s session that the party’s candidate for the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be its President Bakir Izetbegović.
Izetbegović confirmed this at a press conference where he presented the conclusions of the SDA Presidency. Previously, as he said, he received unanimous support from the SDA cantonal committees.
Speaking about the report of the High Representative Christian Schmidt before the UN Security Council, Izetbegović stated that it was correct because it “clearly located the problems and identified the culprits”. He said that, according to the SDA’s position, it is wrong to discuss the removal of the High Representative, and that the focus should be on “those who are causing problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and not on those who are trying to solve them”.
He added that the SDA expects Schmidt’s successor to be appointed as soon as possible and insists on the continuation of the work of the OHR with full Bonn powers until the conditions from the “5 plus 2” program are met.
Speaking about political relations in the country and the region, he particularly referred to the idea of forming a third entity, warning that such initiatives could cause new instability.
“They should not play with fire,” Izetbegović emphasized, recalling the tragic experiences of the 1990s and the consequences of the conflict, including mass displacement and war crimes. He emphasized that solutions must be sought through dialogue and with respect for the interests of Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs.
Izetbegović also addressed the economic situation, stating that BiH has lost significant funds from the European Growth Plan, and that returning to the Moneyval grey list could further complicate financial flows. He particularly criticized the work of the FBiH Government, claiming that economic indicators are declining.
“Industrial production is declining, exports have decreased, while at the same time prices and debt, which has already exceeded four billion BAM, are rising,” Izetbegović stated.
He added that problems are also present in key sectors such as the defense industry, steel production and milk, emphasizing that every serious state must take such strategic branches into account.
When it comes to the future High Representative, Izetbegović, responding to a journalist’s question, emphasized that his successor should avoid the mistakes of his predecessor, but also continue the fight against those who act in an anti-Dayton and anti-constitutional manner. He said that the new High Representative must resolutely protect the state, without making moves that could weaken it.
Commenting on the issue of state property, he emphasized that, according to the rulings of the Constitutional Court of BiH, it belongs to the state and represents a “red line” from which it cannot be deviated. At the same time, he added that the property must be practically and efficiently made available to lower levels of government for projects of public interest.
Speaking about the Southern Gas Interconnection project, he emphasized that the international factor played a key role in accelerating the decision-making process. He added that pressures regarding state property will likely continue, but that the SDA will not agree to solutions contrary to the decisions of the Constitutional Court, expecting the support of international partners in achieving sustainable solutions.
