IFIMES: Denis Bećirović disrupted the Greater-Serbian and Greater-Croatian plans of Belgrade and Zagreb

The International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana has prepared an analysis of current political events in light of the upcoming elections in BiH. The analysis states, among other things, that the concept of national and nationalist parties has proven disastrous for BiH because it is unnatural to the very essence of Bosnia and Herzegovina and acts destructively in a country where multi-ethnicity, multi-religiosity, and multi-culturalism represent values for which BiH and its citizens are recognized and valued in the world. The national and nationalist concept first destroyed BiH through war, and later through nationalist-criminal policies that have made BiH, a country with enormous potential, the poorest country in Europe. 

Denis Bećirović leads a broad pro-Bosnian front for a just state

In contrast to this policy of division, inclusive politics led by Denis Bećirović has emerged. The policy he advocates represents a new quality on the political scene of BiH and can be the basis for creating a strong pro-Bosnian front. Denis Bećirović is the complete opposite of the nationalist discourse established and nurtured by nationalist elites. A victory for this concept and for Bećirović in the upcoming elections for the BiH Presidency would represent hope and encouragement that change is possible in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Citizens will have the opportunity to decide, at the upcoming elections, whether they want change or will support destructive policies and various clerical-nationalisms, which have brought nothing good to the citizens of BiH, and will be able to cast their vote for change.

Why is Denis Bećirović a problem for Belgrade and Zagreb?

The interference of Serbia and Croatia in the internal affairs of BiH is a continuation of the implementation of their Greater-State projects towards BiH. The cooperation between Dodik and Čović is a consequence of the direct cooperation of these two Greater-State projects at higher levels. A campaign is being waged about alleged legitimacy of representation, but behind it lies the intention of Belgrade and Zagreb to install a new Bosniak leader. Although it was thought that this intention would be realized without problems, Denis Bećirović unexpectedly ran for the position of member of the BiH Presidency, who, in addition to the party nomination from the SDP, secured the support of seven parties as well as a broad front of support composed of prominent individuals and citizens from all ethnic communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since Bećirović is recognized as the leader of an informal pan-Bosnian movement, orchestrated attacks from Belgrade and Zagreb have followed. As election day approaches, these attacks are intensifying.

Political-criminal-intelligence circles from the neighborhood have engaged to elect a new Bosniak leader. This attempt will suffer another fiasco in the upcoming elections, because Bećirović, in addition to being a Bosniak, is the leader of a pan-Bosnian front in BiH, which brings together citizens of different nationalities and political beliefs.

Instead of progress, the government has brought regression

General elections in BiH are being held in a very tense, complicated, and complex situation. BiH has been stagnating for the last decade, and in many aspects, it has been regressing. This particularly applies to Euro-Atlantic integration, low living standards, high unemployment rates, and mass emigration of the working-age population. For the past 30 years, the country has been led mainly by national, nationalist, and very often pro-fascist and xenophobic parties. It is precisely these parties that are blocking the process of joining the EU, aware of the fact that BiH's approach to the EU will eliminate them from political life.

The leadership of HDZ BiH has proven to be one of the most criminalized in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which further complicates the position of Croats. Dragan Čović tries to present himself as the bearer and promoter of European values, while on the other hand, he organizes celebratory welcomes for convicted war criminals, openly sympathizes with the NDH, wants to form a third entity, and practices segregation of children through "two schools under one roof".

In his 12 years in power, Milorad Dodik has turned Republika Srpska into a "one-man show". Dodik and SNSD are under sanctions from the US administration. The SNSD's program is not in line with BiH's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration. The main competitor of SNSD is SDS, which is also on the "blacklist" of the US administration. This is the reality of the political scene in Republika Srpska.

The situation in the Bosniak political corps, formally controlled by Bakir Izetbegović, is devastating. The position of Bosniaks, as the most numerous nation in the country, has never been more unfavorable. Izetbegović has led SDA to collapse. The non-transparent management of the party and the concentration of power in the hands of the Izetbegović family have led to a split in SDA. Nepotism and family relationships have become the way this party governs. 

Such a political situation has enabled the affirmation of the civic option, led by the SDP, which can become an important factor on the political scene of BiH. The SDP is leading a new approach to politics, an approach that focuses on the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Denis Bećirović's victory represents great hope for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Political changes in Macedonia and the election of Zoran Zaev as prime minister represent a new wind in the region. Zaev's political doctrine is based on the concept of one society for all, which means a society that excludes no one regardless of ethnic, religious, political, or any other affiliation, and is based on everyone working together for the prosperity of Macedonia and all its citizens. This concept has found fertile ground among some politicians in BiH, and one of them is Denis Bećirović, whose political concept is Bosnia and Herzegovina, one state for all, and all for BiH. Bećirović's inclusive policy represents a new quality on the political scene of BiH, and this has been shown through the broad support of various political entities and individuals for his candidacy. This can be the basis for creating a strong pro-Bosnian front. A victory for this concept and for Bećirović in the upcoming elections for the BiH Presidency would represent hope and encouragement, especially for young people, that change is possible in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well. Therefore, the upcoming elections offer the possibility for Bosnia and Herzegovina to produce its own Zaev.