Nihad Uk Resigns as Sarajevo Canton Premier

(Patria) - The Premier of Sarajevo Canton (KS) Nihad UK has resigned from his position following a tragic tram accident in Sarajevo that claimed a young life.

You can read his statement at the end of this text.

"When I took over the position of Premier of KS, in my address, I primarily spoke about young people. How to support them, how to focus on their future and not our past.

Young people have taken to the streets. We in Naša stranka have always called for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina to get involved, to raise their voices. And they have. They did so because of the young man who tragically died, because of the girl for whose recovery we are all praying.

But young people have also raised their voices against the Government I lead. The message from fellow citizens, the message from young people, is important to me. Certainly more important than my position.

And when I choose between the voice and courage of young people on one side and my position on the other, the choice is clear. I deeply believe that it would be better for all of us in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in neighboring countries, if we humbly listened to the voice of the young people who have taken to the streets.

I have done and am doing this job honorably and honestly, in line with the conviction that we must take responsibility when we are appointed to positions, as well as when by taking responsibility we can make some new faith in the system be restored or born.

Today, I am submitting my resignation as Premier of Sarajevo Canton.

In the past few days, I have worked day and night: at the scene of the tragedy, in the hospital, in the Government. My colleagues in the KS Government are no less devastated by the tragedy, no less engaged in the past few days.

I will continue to do my best to find out the truth and take responsibility. But also to restore faith in a system that can and must be transparent, just, and safe.

In a country where trust is fragile, almost irrevocably damaged, it is enough for doubt to arise - and it is often perceived as confirmation. In such an environment, the discussion about political responsibility takes on new weight.

I want to tell my colleagues from the opposition one thing - tragedy must not be a reason for framing, spreading falsehoods, and meddling. I am sorry that you have chosen that path. Skill in political framing is not a virtue but a cause of citizens' distrust in the system.

As the head of this Government, I want people across Bosnia and Herzegovina to understand that they have the power of change and that we listen to them. And we hear them. And that we will do everything to make them perceive the system as their home, about whose destiny we decide equally and together.

I am taking responsibility, I am not running away from it, and therefore I will continue to lead the processes until a new Premier of Sarajevo Canton is appointed," concluded Uk.