Political turnaround from Gradiška: SDP's Armin Hamzić knows a better BiH is possible

By Ernad Metaj

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Young people in Gradiška have decided to revive the SDP in this city. They are led by Armin Hamzić, a student of the Faculty of Transport and Communications, who has lived in this city since he was four years old. His family returned to Gradiška in 2000 and make up a group of 2,500 Bosniaks living in this municipality.

- I was raised not to divide people by name and surname. I was raised with the conviction that all people are equal, that someone's religious affiliation does not bring superiority, and it was logical for me to start my political path in the SDP as the only truly multi-ethnic party that lives in both entities, Hamzić told Patria.

A multi-ethnic leadership of the Gradiška SDP was elected in a packed hall of the Cultural Center. These are all young educated people who, through their political engagement, send a message that they want to stay in BiH. These young people are the hope that a "third way" can come to life in Republika Srpska, a political action that will not build its survival on celebrating war crimes and tacit support for violence against minorities.

- We want to enjoy shared happiness, not in the misery and misfortune of others. We do not want to hate and despise each other. There is enough room in this country for all of us, Hamzić emphasized.

The young SDP members from Gradiška are aware that it will not be easy. Nationalism has taken its toll in Gradiška as well. Armin is encouraged by the fact that he has not experienced any unpleasantness in his city, and the reactions to his political choice are varied, especially when it comes to members of the Serb people.

- A large number of my peers believe that I should not have gotten involved, yet there are those who welcome my decision. It is time for things in BiH to start changing. There is a common interest among young people, our goal should be to reduce the departure of youth from this country as much as possible, Hamzić told us.

According to Armin, overcoming inter-ethnic tensions in RS also requires a change in the political paradigm from Sarajevo. He believes that political elites from FBiH must understand that it is important for BiH how people in RS live and feel. He is bothered by the fact that political action so far has been reduced to visiting returnees, mainly to gain political points, which does not reduce the inter-ethnic gap as a key prerequisite for BiH to move forward.

- We have ideas, we have the will, we have our president Vojin Mijatović as a role model who has shown courage, wisdom, and maturity to push boundaries. I believe that there will be more and more party committees like this throughout RS, and that the youth will finally wake up and realize that living in the past does not bring a better future. We live on a state border that does not prevent any of us from crossing into a better world. The problem for us are other imaginary borders, and we need to work to break down the prejudices in our heads that do not allow us to understand that life can also exist on this side of the state border, Hamzić said.

Armin says he truly lives social democracy, respects every person, and does not idolize anyone.