Izetbegović: Drug cartels couldn't reach the top of SDA, but other parties were their channel to institutions

(Patria) - SDA leader Bakir Izetbegović and President of the SDA Sarajevo Cantonal Committee (KO) Faruk Kapidžić met today with the newly elected leaderships of SDA municipal organizations in Hadžići and Ilidža.

Speaking to the meeting participants about the most important socio-political developments, Izetbegović highlighted the published correspondence of drug cartel members via the Sky application.

- The information about the penetration of organized crime into politics and the influence they have achieved, even over institutions, is alarming. In those correspondences, criminals say they cannot reach me or the top of SDA in any way.

After that, they celebrate the defeat of SDA in some cities. That is a compliment for us. A cartel that has hundreds of millions at its disposal and buys politicians hit a wall when it comes to SDA.

On the other hand, there are parties whose campaigns they finance, they have a channel to institutions, they have a man they call "president." The collusion of organized crime and politics is extremely dangerous for the state and society. We must be aware of that - Izetbegović said.

Regarding the current political situation, Izetbegović recalled the events of the past year that led to a serious crisis, but also fully illuminated political relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- A few years ago, the wind was blowing in our faces due to the aggressive campaign waged against us. That time has passed. The "Trojka" got a chance and showed their incompetence and servility towards SNSD and HDZ.

They asked what they had betrayed. We presented only a brief part of what they betrayed, surrendered, and sold. And that shortened list filled a full 14 pages - Izetbegović reminded.

President of the SDA Sarajevo Cantonal Committee Faruk Kapidžić informed those present about the links between crime, politics, and urban planning in Sarajevo Canton, as well as the influence of the so-called "construction mafia" on political processes.

There was also discussion about the implementation of the most important infrastructure projects in Sarajevo Canton, such as the tram line reconstruction project, which was initiated by the current President of the SDA Hadžići Municipal Board Adi Kalem in his capacity as Minister of Transport of Sarajevo Canton.

In this context, concern was expressed over the fact that the contracts for the continuation of this project, as well as other multi-million contracts such as the contract of the Government of Sarajevo Canton with the organizers of EXPO 2020 in Dubai, are still being hidden from the public.

Special attention at the meetings was devoted to preparations for the upcoming Local Elections. In this context, information and views were exchanged regarding talks with partners on the possibility of joint support for candidates for municipal mayors in Sarajevo Canton.