Nikšić-Sinno: SDP will not be a pawn in the relations of state coalition partners

The President of the Social Democratic Party of BiH Nermin Nikšić received Khaldoun Sinno, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to BiH, and the topic of the meeting was the current political situation in our country. Sinno was interested in the SDP's positions on current political topics, cooperation between left-wing and civic-oriented parties, and the implementation of the reform agenda, especially regarding the recent vote in the BiH Parliament on increasing fuel excises.

President Nikšić informed Sinno that the SDP BiH and the Democratic Front plan to hold a joint session of their Main Boards soon, where a joint platform for the upcoming elections will be discussed.

- It is evident that the government at all levels practically does not exist, while citizens remain hostages of such irresponsible policy. Precisely because of this, we are working on an alternative to this government, in the form of a civic bloc of parties. We will offer citizens solutions to the current situation, because the difference is clear compared to when the SDP was part of the government and today, when it is not. There is a firm commitment to a joint appearance of civic and left-wing parties, both in the elections and through a joint pre-election campaign. This does not only apply to the Federation of BiH, but also to Republika Srpska, where a pro-Bosnia and Herzegovina bloc should be formed, as a clear civic alternative to the government there - stated Nikšić, adding that the SDP has already started working on its Election Law, which will offer solutions that will relieve the economy and improve the health and pension systems. 

Deputy Sinno was interested in the SDP's stance on increasing fuel excises, which, according to him, would accelerate infrastructure projects in BiH.

- The SDP's position on this issue is very clear, and we have proven it several times in the state Parliament. We were against it, but it is evident that without increasing excises, the larger-scale construction of Corridor 5C will not start. In our mandate, we also requested an increase in fuel excises by 10 feninga, but it was precisely known how those funds would be allocated for the further construction of infrastructure.

However, we are now expected to vote unconditionally for excises, under the guise of state construction and development, without any arguments being presented to us so far.

We are ready to talk, because the SDP, unlike other parties, behaves the same when it comes to the interests of the state and citizens, whether it is part of the government or in opposition. However, we will never accept being a pawn in the relations of coalition partners at the state level, who, regarding this issue, behave one way in the executive and another way in the legislative power - concluded Nikšić.