City Authorities' Games: Bandić Has Been Talking About a Third Entity Since 2009!

The Sarajevo City Council today revoked Milan Bandić's honorary citizen title, which was awarded to him only a few weeks ago, due to his support for a third entity. However, the Mayor of Zagreb has held the same stance on this issue for years, reports the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

At the initiative of the Deputy Mayor of Sarajevo, Aljoša Čampare, Bandić had his title revoked, which the same City Council had awarded him, even though he spoke equally openly about a third entity back in 2009. For example, on December 16, 2009, at a forum during the presidential campaign in Žepče, Bandić spoke about a third entity, always as a last resort.

- If a solution is not found within the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Croats to become equal, then the Croatian people in BiH will have no other option but to seek their third entity. Today, Croats have little from guaranteed equality. I am not advocating for a third entity from this podium, but everything indicates that things are heading in that direction – Bandić said at the time.

Also, a day later in Ljubuški, he offered the same stance, saying that if there is no agreement in BiH, he will support a third entity. During the same tour, he clarified his position in Mostar.

- I believe that all hope in BiH has not yet been exhausted and that an attempt should be made once more within the institutions through constitutional amendments to see what can be done. If it remains with cemented relations, which in the Federation of BiH means outvoting and majority rule from one side, and on the other side, a firm stance from Serb representatives that no one can return to their homes, I fear it will not end well and that Croats will have nothing left but to reach for a third entity. I do not advocate for it nor do I wish for it, but I fear that if there is not enough reason among the representatives of the three peoples in BiH, then it is inevitable – Bandić said back in 2009.

However, Bandić's views, which are known to everyone, were not an obstacle for the Sarajevo City Council to award him the title until two months ago. But now, with the elections approaching, Bandić's statement has become a reason for city politicians to revoke his title, reports NAP.

It is undeniable that the views of the Mayor of Zagreb on a third entity are not acceptable to the majority of BiH residents, but they were known beforehand, and he was not awarded the title of honorary citizen because of his political views, but because of his friendly relationship with the capital city.