The upcoming elections in Germany will be early in a formal sense, but not so much in a practical sense, given that they will be held only seven months earlier than would be the case with regular elections.
“First of all, I am obliged to emphasize that although certain, early elections cannot be called before December 27 due to election deadlines. I expect that President Steinmeier will do so today, but only when he does will we officially know the date, which should be February 23,” said in an interview with Fena, BiH Ambassador to Berlin Damir Arnaut.
At the same time, the fact that Germany has had early elections only three times since World War II, out of a total of 20 election cycles (1972, 1983 and 2005), shows that this is a situation that Germans are not used to. Ultimately, however,
“Germans primarily prefer political stability and it is universally agreed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s decision to request a vote of confidence in his government, effectively bringing the country to early elections, has significantly contributed to that stability,” said Arnaut.
As far as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s interests are concerned, he stressed, nothing will change.
As an ambassador, she cannot comment on the possible winners, but there are certainly polls for that. However, she can say that it is certain that no party will be able to form a government on its own and that a coalition of two or more mainstream parties will be on the scene.
“Regardless of the result, however, my relations with the members of the Bundestag, which I have cultivated since my work in the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH and which are now even stronger, leave me with no doubt that the approach will be identical: full support for the EU path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, progress on that path only by fulfilling the conditions and meeting the criteria, full support for our NATO path, sanctions for any anti-Dayton action, focus on cooperation with proven democratic leaders and avoiding politicians with tarnished reputations, ensuring resources and legal conditions, through the Althea Mission and, if necessary, NATO HQ, for preserving peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans, and full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH,” said Ambassador Arnaut.
He emphasizes that the election programs should be of concern to our people exclusively on the issue of dual citizenship. Some parties advocate the repeal of the law passed this year that enabled dual citizenship.
“I emphasize that, for now, these are only election programs. A majority in the Bundestag is needed for adoption, and it is not in sight at the moment. However, if it does become certain, I have already launched an initiative with my colleagues from the EU candidate countries to advocate an exception for citizens of those countries, modeled on the exception that existed for citizens of EU member states. So, even if there are changes, we will be ready to protect the interests of our citizens,” says Arnaut.
Finally, it is necessary for everyone from BiH to stop advocating to the German side the lifting of sanctions for anti-Dayton activities in the hope that this will “appease” these elements.
“It will neither appease them, nor will Germany change its approach. It only introduces confusion. Also, let medical issues be left to the profession, even if opinions come from the children of doctors. The situation is serious, we need cool heads, statesmanlike messages and a lot of knowledge and wisdom,” concluded Ambassador Arnaut in an interview with Fena.
