Čović Tasks Schmidt to be Immune to 'Pressure' Regarding BHRT, Will He Be the Same Regarding State Property?

By: A. Čorbo-Zećo

HDZ leader Dragan Čović, after the amendments to the Election Law enabled him to be an indispensable factor in forming the government, is now exerting new pressure on the High Representative in BiH Christian Schmidt.

As Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, Čović proposed today to pressure Schmidt to withdraw the decision on prohibiting the disposal of state property. The High Representative's decision has so far served as an instrument for protecting state property and the stability of institutions in the country. Because, it is clear that whoever owns the land owns the land!

Experts warn that withdrawing this decision could benefit particular political interests, rather than the public good. Analysts point out that Čović and his political partner Milorad Dodik have so far shown a tendency to dismantle state institutions, rather than build them.

Schmidt's attitude towards key institutions such as BHRT is particularly controversial. The public service, which represents the interests of citizens, remains without adequate support from the OHR. Correspondence and requests from BHRT, as well as from some international officials and institutions, are being shelved.

Čović's pressure to withdraw the decision on prohibiting the disposal of state property further complicates the situation, as it could result in decisions that do not protect the public interest, but favor certain political actors. And, if Schmidt succumbs to pressure, Bosnia and Herzegovina could face long-term consequences, including weakened institutional capacity and diminished credibility of the international community in the country.

At this moment, BHRT, state property, and the existence of institutions are at the center of the political struggle. The outcome of the pressure and the High Representative's decisions could determine the direction in which Bosnia and Herzegovina continues, whether towards preserving state interests or towards further strengthening particular political goals.

Schmidt's past behavior and actions indicate that he is more inclined towards the former, fulfilling the wishes of Zagreb and Dragan Čović!