Kukić to Resign Tomorrow Due to US Sanctions, Successor Unknown

(Patria) - Mirsad Kukić, president of the Democratic Movement of Action (PDA), is expected to resign from his position as party president at tomorrow's session of the PDA Main Board to be held in Tuzla, after the US imposed sanctions on him for corruption on January 5. Kukić held several meetings with the presidents of coalition parties SDP BiH, NS, NIP, and SBB, with Naša stranka being the most vocal, demanding Kukić's resignation, otherwise the Tuzla Canton government would no longer have their support. USAID Administrator Samantha Power spoke last night at a press conference about the consequences of US sanctions and cited Mirsad Kukić as an example, stating that he had announced his withdrawal from the position of PDA president.

"In his capacity as mine director, Kukić was involved in corrupt acts through which he used his political influence and official power for personal gain. Specifically, there is credible information that Kukić misappropriated public funds for personal benefit and interfered in employment and appointment decisions to gain political advantage," stated the State Department.

At the GO session, a successor to Kukić is expected to be elected, although expectations are that Kukić will still manage the party from the shadows and have a say in the decisions PDA will make. Kukić is also a Member of Parliament in the BiH Parliament and has no intention of stepping down.

"I will keep the promise I made to my coalition partners, for the common good. After that, I plan to go for talks with people from the American administration," Kukić told Faktor a few days ago.

Kukić was unappealably convicted at the Municipal Court in Sarajevo for the criminal offense of receiving a reward or other benefit for influence peddling. This relates to the Bosna case, which has been ongoing for years against Amir Zukić, Asim Sarajlić, Safet Bibić, Nedžad and Senad Traka, Ramiz Karavdić, and Esed Džananović for illegal mediation in employment in the public sector, including in JP Elektroprivreda BiH – Elektrodistribucija. A new indictment has been confirmed against Sarajlić for the criminal offense of giving a bribe and other benefits in connection with the "Snimak" affair and the rigging of votes in the election of the head of the Regional Committee of SDA Sarajevo.

PDA recently held its first party congress where Mirsad Kukić was elected president. At the GO session, vice-presidents, members of the Presidency, the general secretary, and the leadership of the PDA Main Board will be elected.