Opposition in RS at the same table: Plotting to overthrow Dodik!?

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Representatives of opposition parties in the entity of Republika Srpska adopted a joint statement today at a meeting in Bijeljina on their determination for deep changes in that entity.

The Serb Democratic Party (SDS), the Party of Democratic Progress (PDP), and the Democratic People's Alliance (DNS) stated the need for a complete change in the way of governance, enabling full transparency of institutional work, ending corrupt practices, and stabilizing economic conditions and the budget.

They warned that uncontrolled borrowing must be stopped urgently and that all scandals that have been discussed in public, which have damaged the budget and harmed the reputation of RS, must be investigated and prosecuted.

The leaders of SDS, PDP, and DNS, Mirko Šarović, Branislav Borenović, and Nenad Nešić, emphasized that their parties agree that the harmful activities of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) must be stopped as soon as possible.

They called on all "conscientious and responsible political parties, movements, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to join and help in freeing RS from the regime and its brutal plundering of RS."

SDS, PDP, and DNS also agreed that a "new majority" in the National Assembly of RS and a new government of BiH are needed as soon as possible, in order to stop the "degradation of institutions" and to "give a strong and wise response to every attempt at a political coup against RS."

"The new government in RS must urgently adopt key laws that will ensure the return of citizens' trust in institutions," the joint statement reads, listing laws on the origin of property, conflict of interest, combating nepotism, and the non-statute of limitations for criminal offenses committed through the abuse of public resources and budget funds.

The opposition parties emphasized that conditions for free and legal elections must be urgently provided, without blackmail and pressure on citizens, and that the Public RTV service RTRS must be freed from the influence of SNSD.

It was assessed that the result of 15 years of "catastrophic" SNSD rule is that RS is in a difficult economic situation, and that it is "particularly disastrous" that institutions have been privatized and are under full political control.

This, as they pointed out, has produced a feeling of insecurity and hopelessness among the people, and has resulted in mass emigration of the population.