Izetbegović: Dodik's departure will be a strong message to all new 'Dodiks' that such policies cannot succeed

(Patria) - In Bužim, organized by the Municipal Board of SDA Bužim and the Cantonal Board of SDA USK, a public forum titled "Response" was held, where, among others, SDA President Bakir Izetbegović addressed the attendees.

In the introduction of his address, speaking about the problems Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing, he recalled the chronology of events and the expansion of the secessionist policy of the former president of the RS entity, Milorad Dodik, which culminated in the latest most severe attacks on the constitutional and legal order of the state.

- We have reached a moment of truth. Either Dodik will overpower the state and its institutions, or the institutions will overpower him. This could not be avoided.

We did not even want to avoid it because it is better to confront him while a strong international community and the OHR with its Bonn Powers are present here.

SDA has always successfully resisted him, and he admitted that. He spoke about the Troika as an "invalid structure" compared to the SDA - said Izetbegović.

Dodik, he added, is an offensive player and does not cope well in the situation he finds himself in.

- Pressure on him must be increased and must be endured to the end. Let him threaten with referendums, let him insult, let him rush further. He has no solid support to rely on.

His departure will be a strong message for all those who come, to all new "Dodiks", that such policies cannot succeed - Izetbegović stated.

He welcomed the decision of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Central Election Commission by which Dodik's mandate was revoked, but at the same time warned of the need for adequate implementation of that decision and the danger of potential new agreements and compromises in Dodik's favor.

- If they do not remove him from the position of SNSD president, he will retain power and influence. He will appoint cadres who will have to be loyal to him and through them he will manage processes. That must not happen - said the SDA president.

Izetbegović, speaking about Dodik's coalition partners, recalled earlier promises by Troika officials, which were broken after the 2022 General Elections, and numerous concessions detrimental to the state, and especially to the Bosniak people.



- There is nothing they didn't give them, entire sectors - security, finance, road construction... Dodik insulted them, called them an "invalid structure", a "Muslim representation", and they remained silent and spent the money left to them by the government of Fadil Novalić.

Now, when they have spent that money, they are burdening us with hundreds of millions of KM in debt. They humiliated pensioners, to whom they owe 360 million KM.

They are determined only when they need to do something stupid, like increasing the minimum wage without a corresponding reduction in contributions. The sooner they leave, the better - Izetbegović stated.

The Troika, he added, insults the intelligence of the people by violating their own proclaimed principles, promises, and constantly changing positions.

- First, Konaković said it was pointless to try to remove SNSD from power. He mocked the proposal of a representative from Our Party.

However, when they realized that the elections were approaching, they started a quarrel with Dodik. They threaten with excavators, erasing with an eraser, and so on. And at the same time, they give 100 million KM to Dodik's godfather for a building.

Who went to fetch the fugitive Dodik to smuggle him to the Prosecutor's Office to make a deal? Those were the cadres of the Troika.

They surrendered positions, we will reclaim them. They burdened us with debt, we will recover that money. They destroyed the economy, we will fix it - Izetbegović stated.

He also commented on the pressures to which Bosniaks as a people are exposed and certain attempts to introduce self-censorship.

- We straightened our spine, reclaimed our name, our faith, our identity, and we will never give up on that - Izetbegović stated.

The current mandate, he added, is an opportunity for the people to see what SDA means, and what those who present themselves as an alternative and who now hold power are like.

In that context, he sent a message about priorities in the coming year and preparations for the next General Elections.

- We must achieve the most powerful post-war result, so that they do not try to push us out by force again - said Izetbegović.

Those present at the forum were also addressed by the President of the Municipal Board of SDA Bužim, Abid Mulalić, the Mayor of Bužim Municipality, Mersudin Nanić, the President of the Cantonal Board of SDA USK, Jasmin Musić, and the Prime Minister of USK, Nijaz Hušić.