NE POWER, NOR DIGNITY From a moral vertical to a backup option: How did NES nullify itself?

By: A. Čorbo-Zećo

People trust those whose actions and attitudes they can predict. In politics, consistency is not a luxury, it is the basis of political integrity. When a political party says one thing today, and does the opposite tomorrow, voters lose trust because they no longer know whether they are voting for ideas, principles, or for short-term tactics and the personal interests of individuals.

One of the most obvious examples of this political phenomenon in Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent years is the People's European Alliance (NES). The party, once considered a voice of reason on the political scene, capable of establishing itself as a corrective and alternative at higher levels of government, is increasingly perceived today as an example of political opportunism and incompetence.

NES, at least declaratively, remained out of power after the formation of the current coalition at the federal and state levels. They justified their opposition role on principled grounds, as they could not accept the fact that the Constitution of the Federation was temporarily suspended during the formation of the government, nor were they willing to cooperate with SNSD and Milorad Dodik, whom they clearly identified as a political actor contrary to all state interests.

This rhetoric earned them a certain level of public trust, especially among those citizens who had lost faith in the "old" parties but were still looking for a political option that upheld principles.

On this basis, NES began to build its own image as a serious, state-building party, not just a local factor in USK, but someone who could play an important role at the federal and even state level. However, it soon turned out that this image did not withstand the first serious test of political interest.

The moment SDA formed a new majority in the Government of USK (which was also not politically correct), without NES, the turn began. NES began to tactically approach the "Trojka" (SDP, NiP, Naša stranka), even though they had criticized them until yesterday for cooperating with SNSD and the way they formed the government. It was clear that the government in USK, where they have been deeply rooted for decades, was far more important to them than principled opposition at higher levels.

This turn was not accidental, but carefully timed. From the lunch organized by Elemedin Konaković for Bosniak parties, NES embarked on a series of political maneuvers, trying to position itself as a factor useful to both sides. However, precisely in this game of neutral mediator, they lost what is crucial for any political party: trust.

NES tried to maintain influence in USK while simultaneously approaching the ruling majority at the federal level. In practice, this meant that at crucial moments, although formally in opposition, they voted for decisions that suited the Trojka. They voted, among other things, for the election of Zoran Krešić to the Management Board of FTV, a decision that met with fierce public criticism.

Also, according to an agreement with the government, they helped to remove the conclusions of the Committee for Veterans and Disabled Persons' Affairs from the agenda of the House of Representatives, at the direct request of Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić.

While demonstrating their political 'flexibility', NES actually dug its own grave. They showed that they are willing to trample on their own views for the sake of petty, daily gains. But the problem with such tactics is that they do not work in the long run because ruling partners do not want unreliable allies, and voters do not forgive betrayal.

NES is currently in a political vacuum: it has no government in USK, no role at higher levels, and it has lost its impressive reputation as a principled opposition through its own actions. They relied on the hope that they could retain power at least in the canton, and in return show cooperativeness towards the Trojka at the federal level. Instead, they lost both.

Political parties do not fall because they make a wrong assessment. They fall when they lose their identity. NES no longer knows what it wants to be: an opposition, a government partner, a local player, or a state factor. And if the party itself doesn't know, how can its voters know?