Drasko, we know your nature, don't change your 'skin': Stanivuković's hypocritical morality

By: Amina Čorbo-Zećo

Draško Stanivuković has recently decided to present himself as the voice of reason, condemning Milorad Dodik for his insults against Bosniaks.
Like a joke: 'Don't defend me, Mujo, for God's sake.' Because, if there were justice, both Stanivuković and Dodik would have long ago been held accountable in court for their hate speech.

But, given how short people's memories can be in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is worth recalling the words and actions that Stanivuković is trying to make us forget today, without any intention of defending Dodik, the president of a fake social democratic party with openly fascist actions.

It sounds nice today to forgetful Bosniaks, but let's remember: this same Stanivuković refused to remove the mural of Ratko Mladić – a convicted war criminal – in Banja Luka.

'We will not remove it. Next…', he briefly told reporters.

That's not all. At a rally at the Old Bus Station, speaking about the dispute between the City of Banja Luka and 'Autoprevoz' a.d. Banja Luka, he uttered words that were more than offensive:

'Then let them sell it to some private individuals, Bosniaks, Muslims. The city cannot be allowed to lose its historical symbols of the RS,' Stanivuković said at the time.

Isn't it hypocritical that he lectures today about culture, measure, and dignity, while openly defending the face that symbolizes genocide?

In the style of Chetnik ideologues, Stanivuković has also insulted others – for example, Montenegrins:

'Montenegrin as a nation, I think it's invented,' said the then-member of parliament.

And today, in his video, with a serious expression and a polished tone, he says that 'the president should be the embodiment of his people, his culture, measure, and dignity' and that 'no one has the right to call entire peoples swindlers and liars.' All true, but it sounds hollow coming from him.

Setting aside Dodik's naked fascism. The problem is Stanivuković, who, according to all indications, at the behest of Aleksandar Vučić and his own instinct for political survival, is only changing his 'skin' – not his nature.

Today he speaks of reconciliation and culture, tomorrow he embraces murals of war criminals.

This is not politics of change. It is just a new mask for an old ideology – packaged in a younger face and smoother words.

The only question is whether the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially Bosniaks, see this game? Or will they continue, as if enchanted, to share Stanivuković's videos on social media?