How to Cope with the Difficult Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

By Mr. Vladimir Vučković, Security Expert / Patria

Romania has shown how the power of the people is much stronger than the greed and insatiability of political elites. The controversial decree related to corrupt activities was withdrawn after strong pressure exerted by the Romanian public on elected government representatives.

What is the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

We must be aware of the fact that the country we live in has just over three million inhabitants. In developed countries, mayors manage such a number of people, while we alone need 14 governments and a huge entourage around them to rule over the people. Considering this, it would be normal to have general prosperity with such an administrative apparatus and for such a number of officials to be worthwhile, as they are at the citizens' service and resolve their problems very quickly. Unfortunately, reality is one thing, and theory is quite another. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most corrupt countries in the world and is on various "blacklists" that classify us as undesirable for investments and any serious cooperation. This fact is not surprising, as we must be aware that various politicians want to get rich quickly and secure their grandchildren and their grandchildren's grandchildren, all at the expense of the citizens.

A major problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the so-called "nationalist rhetoric" which certain political circles skillfully use. In the absence of progress and development, economic, industrial, educational, and political, politicians skillfully divert the topic to nationalism, which serves as a good cover for hiding corrupt activities. False patriotism is a huge problem in a society that is very poorly "literate" and a good argument to force people to trust individuals in elections based on inter-ethnic fear.

How to cope with the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Citizens of BiH are not sufficiently aware of their rights, and efforts must be made in various ways to raise citizens' awareness and inform them of all the rights guaranteed to them. It is simple to conclude that one who does not know their rights is equal to one who has no rights. The main engine of positive change in our society must be honest intellectuals who, with their knowledge and goodwill, will set the currents in motion and stop negative and destructive elements.

Political elites who seek to deepen divisions and create imaginary borders within BiH should face resistance, as all citizens of this country share the same common problems they encounter daily. Citizens' problems are economic in nature, and where stomachs are empty, there is no room for demagoguery and warmongering rhetoric.

The significant outflow of the population that we encounter daily, and which attempts are made to ignore and pass by as a minor issue, represents a major problem for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It may even be in the interest of those in power for the dissatisfied to leave the country, and those who remain are somehow obliged to vote for the elites who have "helped" them and whose work they are relatively satisfied with. To be honest, it is not only the unemployed who are leaving for abroad, but every day more and more people are leaving well-paid jobs for various reasons and going to developed countries because they want to be part of an organized system. I fear that this trend will turn Bosnia and Herzegovina into a country of the elderly in a few decades.

Citizens should demand reports and transparency in the work of all state institutions so that these institutions are forced to work in the public interest, and the interests of individuals are replaced by the public interest.

The construction of large plants and factories that characterized the socialist era is now an unfeasible idea, but it is certainly possible to work on attracting foreign investors and concluding various agreements on exporting goods from BiH to major world markets. Governments should provide full support for the development of agricultural production and enable the smooth purchase and export of everything that is planned and produced.

We also have great potential in the hydroelectric sector; a good part of the hydroelectric potential is untapped, and there is a great opportunity for the advancement of this branch of the economy.

According to all data from relevant institutions, the economic sectors in BiH that export products to foreign markets are performing best, and in that regard, it is absurd to say that the economic crisis has disrupted our economy; the economy in BiH is disrupted by corruption, irresponsibility, and arrogance of those who decide about it.

The progress we have dreamed of for decades will come the moment people who will not discuss nationalist topics, but rather how to find solutions and create an adequate security, political, and economic climate that will attract international companies and the diaspora to invest funds in BiH, come to power and responsible positions at all levels of government in BiH. This process will be long-term, but patience will not be enough. A tireless process and cooperation of all progressive elements who desire progress, coexistence, and prosperity for all citizens in this country are needed.