Policy of Compromise or Selective Justice: Nikšić and the Marginalization of Bosniaks

By: A. Čorbo-Zećo

Yesterday's statement by Nermin Nikšić, president of the SDP and Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, shows a clearly observed contradiction in political approach. While speaking with great understanding about the frustrations of Dragan Čović and the HDZ and emphasizing readiness for compromise and the implementation of decisions of the Constitutional Court of BiH, Nikšić simultaneously does not mention the problems and marginalization of Bosniaks in areas where the HDZ holds power, such as Stolac.

In his address, Nikšić emphasizes:

“I understand the frustration of the HDZ in all of this and the fact that they would like certain changes… We are open to discussions about all solutions.”

This statement, on one hand, portrays the SDP as a rational and constructive negotiator, ready for compromise and dialogue, but on the other hand, it shows a selective rhetoric in which the real problems of citizens exposed to marginalization by the HDZ are not acknowledged. In such a review, they deserved at least one sentence.

The example of Stolac clearly shows this selectivity. In this municipality, Bosniaks have been exposed to political and social marginalization for decades, but Nikšić does not mention this, focusing exclusively on the “high politics” of the BiH Presidency and the legitimacy of elections. Such an approach sends a message of compromise to the HDZ, while the problems of Bosniaks in local government are silenced.

It is also unclear which decision of the Constitutional Court of BiH Nikšić is referring to, because regarding the decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on the appeal of Božo Ljubić, made on December 1, 2016, the High Representative Christian Schmidt also stated that, legally speaking, it was concluded.

Such rhetoric may be tactically motivated; omitting criticism of the HDZ's practices in local communities facilitates negotiations at the state level and builds an image of “statesmanlike responsibility”.

However, silencing the marginalization of citizens in practice means that the SDP is not addressing one of the key problems in BiH – inequality and ethnic discrimination in local government.

In conclusion, while Nikšić's statements show readiness for compromise and dialogue with the HDZ, his selective rhetoric simultaneously leaves the real problems of Bosniaks unaddressed, raising questions about consistency and genuine concern for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Compromise in BiH must not be only for some, and the marginalization of others silenced, which is what Nikšić did in his latest address!