Minister Katić Demoted Ernest Đonko in the Federal Ministry of Transport Due to Resistance to Solar Power Plant Construction in Stolac

Ernest Đonko, long-time assistant in the Federal Ministry of Transport and Communications and president of the working group for the information society in the process of Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the European Union, claims that he was illegally demoted and financially penalized after participating in civil administrative resistance against the construction of solar power plants in Stolac and warning about the illegal sale of state land.

Đonko claims for Hercegovina.info that on November 15, 2025, he received a decision by mail by which he was transferred to a lower position, retroactively, even though he had been rated as exceptionally successful for years. After that, on November 19, he was handed a new salary decision, also retroactive, which significantly reduced his income.

In a letter sent to Minister Andrijana Katić on December 1, Đonko states that the decisions were not made in accordance with the Law on Civil Service of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Law on Administrative Procedure, as the appeal procedure is still ongoing, and that the acts cannot be enforceable. He points out that this is direct retaliation for his public engagement.

"This is direct discrimination, mobbing, intimidation, and economic pressure aimed at making me give up the fight for the City of Stolac where I live," says Đonko.

Union Confirms Allegations: "Such a Demotion is Unacceptable"

In a letter from the Trade Union of Civil Servants and Employees of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina dated November 26, 2025, sent to Minister Katić, it is stated:

"The demotion constitutes direct discrimination against Mr. Đonko, which the Union considers unacceptable," the document number 01-1120-25 states.

The Union demands an immediate halt to the implemented measures and warns that the decision on transfer was made without legal basis and without explanation.

Minister Katić: "If You Dispute the Decisions and Wait for Finality, Your Salary Will Be Calculated Upon Enforceability"

In a decision signed on November 28, 2025, Minister Katić states that appeal procedures can last for months and years and says:

"During that period, you would lose the opportunity to exercise your rights from employment. If you dispute the decisions and wish to wait for finality, please inform the Cabinet in writing about it."

Đonko interprets this as a form of pressure and an attempt to force him to abandon his appeal.

Documentation Shows Previous Ratings of "Exceptionally Successful"

In the attached official acts of Minister Katić from January 31, 2025, Đonko was rated with the highest grade:

"He is rated as exceptionally successful."

This raises the question of the criteria on which he was dismissed and demoted just ten months later.

Connection to "Stolac Resistance"

Đonko says that the pressure began after his public statements against the construction of solar power plants on state land in Stolac and his cooperation with the Aarhus Center Sarajevo on appeals and lawsuits.

"Why do you need to deal with panels?" he quotes the minister's advisor, Josip Nikolić, as saying in his office.

Đonko claims this is an attempt to stifle civic activism and states that he will not give up.

Announcement of Criminal Charges and Lawsuit

Đonko announces that due to all of this, he will file criminal charges for abuse of position and authority, a request for judicial protection of employment rights, and continue with administrative and union procedures.

"It was naive to expect that the people of Stolac would give up because of this," he concludes.