GAMES WITHOUT BORDERS Christian Schmidt hits SNSD, and hits... nobody

By: Amina Čorbo-Zećo

At a time when transparency and accountability are key to public trust, the behavior of the High Representative in BiH, Christian Schmidt, raises more and more questions. The latest example comes after a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

News of this meeting did not come from the Office of the High Representative, but exclusively from Zagreb. Why is the OHR remaining silent about such meetings, especially those that directly concern political stability and relations within BiH? Is Schmidt proving who is still "number one" when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The absence of an official announcement from the OHR opens the door to speculation. Is this strategic silence or an avoidance of answers to sensitive questions, such as Croatian demands for "legitimate representation"? In any case, such a lack of transparency only deepens mistrust towards the international community, especially towards the role of the High Representative.

Schmidt's decision to impose sanctions on the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) also causes further confusion. Instead of a concrete blow to those responsible for the collapse of state institutions, Schmidt's measures seem symbolic – a political message without real weight. There is no talk of personal sanctions, asset freezes, or international pressure. It is solely about prohibiting the financing of SNSD and United Srpska from budgets at all levels.

However, the example from the past clearly shows that this will not have serious consequences – SDS once had its accounts blocked, was in a significantly worse situation, yet it survived and remained on the political scene. Why would this case be any different?

Given the seriousness of the political crisis in the country, such moves by Schmidt resemble a delaying tactic more than decisive action. If the international community truly wants to preserve the sovereignty and functionality of BiH, then it must seriously ask itself – does the High Representative have a concrete plan, or is he just maintaining the status quo while the country sinks deeper into blockades and divisions?

In the silence coming from his office, it is difficult to find a clear answer. His latest moves are strongly reminiscent of the episode with SIPA's attempt to arrest Milorad Dodik – spectacularly announced, and ending in a humiliating manner. Without any effect. Because Dodik is still free, functional, and, at least on paper, the president of Republika Srpska – an entity that openly ignores the decisions of the High Representative.

His people are still ministers, MPs, delegates, councilors... Without any consequences. Schmidt, instead of cutting the knot, seems to be tightening it further.

The absurd political mess in BiH continues. And solutions, despite the growing crises, are still nowhere in sight. The quarreling is getting louder, and the situation is becoming more hopeless. Especially since BiH institutions are currently powerless against Dodik, who today, without any sanctions, attacked SDA over the conclusions of party bodies that did not suit him. And therein lies the secret. If Schmidt had really done something proposed, Dodik would not be shouting today.

Therefore, it is clear that Schmidt's actions have not shaken Milorad Dodik. On the contrary, they have only angered him and possibly accelerated some of his next steps.