Split in PDP: Stanivuković and Crnadak on the verge of parting ways, opposition increasingly divided

(Patria) - Within the Party of Democratic Progress (PDP), signs of a serious rift between party president Draško Stanivuković and his deputy Igor Crnadak are becoming increasingly evident, which could lead to a new split within the opposition in Republika Srpska.

The trigger for the latest escalation of the conflict was a tender for the replacement of public lighting in Banja Luka, worth 35 million marks, which Crnadak publicly questioned. On the social network Facebook, Crnadak pointed out, as he stated, "many strange characteristics" of this project and demanded its full public disclosure and a review of the implementation method.

Stanivuković responded sharply, describing Crnadak's statement as "unprofessional and uncollegial," stating that "it must be clear who the president is in the party." He emphasized that the party cannot function like a "mismatched orchestra" where everyone publicly comments on all topics.

Nebojša Vukanović, president of the list "For Justice and Order," also sharply criticized Stanivuković, warning of potential corruption related to the tender, claiming that domestic companies were eliminated by the unrealistic condition of revenue exceeding 60 million marks. “I hope the tender will be cancelled, and Stanivuković will finally answer to the people,” said Vukanović.

Political analyst Tanja Topić told BHRT that the PDP president is increasingly showing authoritarian tendencies and a "totalitarian way of thinking with traces of Bolshevik logic." She warns that the conflict could result in serious attrition within the party.

„Crnadak is certainly not a person who will easily fit into the vision of a young leader,“ she concluded.

Additional tensions between the two high-ranking officials date back to the last local elections, when Crnadak publicly challenged Stanivuković's candidacy for mayor of Banja Luka, calling him at the time "Dodik's candidate," which was considered the gravest insult within opposition ranks. Although it was expected that he would leave the party then, Crnadak remained in the PDP – at least for now.

For the record, former PDP president Branislav Borenović previously expelled three officials because they did not support Stanivuković's candidacy, which further fuels speculation that Stanivuković might resort to similar measures against Crnadak – or that Crnadak himself might leave the party.