Speaking about the general situation in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vice President Refik Lendo told Dnevnik Dthat while institutions are formally functioning, the underlying problems are deep and long-lasting.
“The Federation is functioning, but overall, citizens of the Federation today find themselves in a kind of blockade – both externally and internally. Our companies cannot export, trucks are stuck at the borders, jobs are being lost, and there is no serious communication with the Government of Republika Srpska. One government is looking to deceive the other. In the Federation, jobs are disappearing, the public administration continues to grow on the budget, and the worst problem is the closure of media outlets.”
Trust between Communities and Political Responsibility
Lendo emphasized that the issue of trust is a key political question in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but responsibility does not rest with a single political party.
“Everyone has their share of responsibility, positive contributions, and mistakes. It is high time we start communicating without preconditions.”
Solutions Cannot Be Reached Unilaterally
“There is not a single serious issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina that can be solved by one party alone. The perspectives of Banja Luka, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Central Bosnia must all be considered.”
The Federation Budget: Consumption-Oriented and Debt-Driven
Commenting on the adopted budget of the Federation, Lendo warned about its structure and long-term consequences.
“Considering that the total budget exceeds eight billion BAM, while the number of employees is decreasing and retirees are increasing, it is clear that this is a consumption-oriented and debt-driven budget.”
Key Issue: Debt Level
“We are borrowing more than two billion BAM, and this year we must repay around 1.3 billion BAM. Only very limited funds remain for investment, development, infrastructure, and new jobs.”
Pension System and the Need for Reforms
The President of the Federation believes that without serious and long-term reforms, the pension system will not be sustainable.
“It takes courage, knowledge, and decisiveness. The problem has been accumulating for years, and it will now take years to stabilize the system.”
He also noted that while budget financing of pensions was necessary, it is unsustainable in the long term without reforms.
“Without budget support, retirees would not receive their pensions regularly, but this also means there are insufficient funds for development.”
State Property as an Obstacle to Development
Lendo considers the ban on managing state property a serious obstacle to the Federation’s development.
“This completely blocks the development of local communities. Roads cannot be built, construction permits cannot be issued, and it is difficult to attract investors.”
A High Representative Must Offer a Solution
“It is necessary to clearly define what local communities can use for development, because without that, there can be no investment or growth.”
Southern Gas Interconnection and U.S. Investments
Speaking on the Southern Gas Interconnection, Lendo sees the arrival of U.S. investors as a positive and realistic opportunity.
“It is good that U.S. companies have become involved. If we relied only on our own negotiations, by 2027 nothing would have been accomplished.”
He added that local institutions must serve the needs of investors.
Elections and the Bosniak Member of the Presidency
Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Lendo believes theParty of Democratic Action (SDA) has the capacity to present a strong candidate.
“Even though the candidate comes from the SDA party, it is important that they are legitimate and enjoy the trust of the party membership and voters. The candidate must be legitimate and supported by all party members.”
When asked whether the candidate will be Mr. Izetbegović, Lendo stressed that nothing is certain, but this option is possible. He also did not rule out the possibility of a woman running as a candidate.
“The SDA has capable and politically active women who could run for the position of Presidency member.”
Security, Armed Forces, and the Defence Industry
Lendo warned about the weak position of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the danger of its systematic weakening.
“Unfortunately, there are political forces that do not want strong Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They have succeeded in this to some extent.”
He also criticized the decision to revoke the permit of BNT Company from Novi Travnik.
“This is a direct blow to the defence industry. Mistakes should be corrected, but prohibiting development and innovation weakens the country.”
