Debate on the Declaration to Stop the Purchase of a Building for the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH: An Example of Public Corruption

(Patria) - A new item proposed by five representatives from the SDS, PDP, and For Justice and Order has been added to the agenda of today's session of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, concerning the Declaration to stop the purchase of a building for the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH.

Criticism came from the ruling SNSD, who believe that such a Declaration could not have been placed on the agenda.

Mladen Bosić, an SDS delegate, said that the purchase of this building for the ITA BiH has become a symbol of public corruption at the highest level.

"Whether the system that promotes arrogant tycoons, who are given rigged deals and who take over all the strings within BiH's political structures, will continue depends on this," said Bosić.

He stated that it is necessary to resolve the issue of ITA accommodation in Banja Luka, but in a way that involves purchasing land. Since 2013, the plan shifted to buying a completed building.

"And this story about buying a building for the ITA irresistibly reminds me of the story about buying the building of the Government of Republika Srpska in Banja Luka," Bosić noted.

He said that in this case, it is concerning that state bodies and institutions of BiH decide to buy a building for 95 million KM, as requested by the bidder.

Milorad Kojić (SNSD) took the floor and warned the House Chairman Denis Zvizdić that he is obliged to ensure compliance with the Rules of Procedure, asking whether this item can be considered as a Declaration.

Zvizdić said that there is a position that the procedure was respected because this topic had been discussed in the House before.

Representative Sanja Vulić (SNSD) requested a half-hour break in the House session and asked the Secretariat for information on when the House of Representatives had considered this item.

After the break, the debate on the Declaration continued. Nihad Omerović, head of the NIP Club, said he does not want to participate in the process of politicizing certain issues and that he abstained from voting on including the Declaration on the agenda.

"We do not want to go into the process of politicizing any processes," said Omerović.

Branislav Borenović (PDP) said that the purchase of a building for the accommodation of the ITA BiH is an example of public corruption involving certain ruling structures.

"That godfather-like scheming has been going on for a decade and is getting its final epilogue this year, when from the initial 39 million KM planned for the ITA building, we have come to a situation where that amount has increased to those unscrupulous 100 million marks. This is a political-business venture of individuals," said Borenović.

Jasmin Emrić (NES) said that accommodation for the needs of the ITA BiH must be secured, but for 11 years there has been a perception of corruption in this multi-year project.

"We must hold a discussion. These are large sums of money, not small amounts. How can the Council of Ministers make a decision contrary to the instruction on the method of planning, approving, and planning multi-year projects and increase the amount? The instruction limits it to only 10 percent. The Audit Office determines that the instruction was violated. Who should react? We representatives have to beg the Prosecutor's Office of BiH to react despite reasonable suspicion. All of this represents a perception of corruption and reasonable suspicion of crime. BiH is the first country in the region in terms of perception of corruption. How will we change that perception? Well, through such debates we cut the Gordian knot. I call for unity in this case and to show that not all of us are for what is being done and what has been shown as a corrupt procedure. I am really surprised that the Ministry of Finance also violated the Budget Law in such a way. I support this intention and the declaration so that the procurement of the building for the ITA is carried out in accordance with the law and real needs and interests," said Emrić.

Denis Zvizdić said in his address that the House of Representatives is a place where all decisions should be discussed and that the representatives of the 'troika' predominantly voted for including the declaration on the agenda.

"The representatives of the 'troika' have a certain number of suggestions on the text of the Declaration. It is a declaratory act that contains a principled opinion and there are certain findings that obligate the judicial system. We will propose a conclusion that sublimates the intention of everyone in this hall and to act according to the principle of law. The ITA should have its accommodation, but the process of purchase and procurement must be transparent and in accordance with all procedures," said Zvizdić.

The proposed conclusion tasks the Anti-Corruption Commission with monitoring the procurement of space for the accommodation of the ITA BiH and regularly reporting to the House on the activities carried out.