KS Government Reshuffle Not Yet Agreed: Who in SDP is Calling for Vranić's Resignation, Šteta Under Partner Pressure

By: Amra Vrabac

The parties of the "trojka" (NIP, SDP, Naša stranka) along with four MPs Damir Marjanović, Redžo Lemezan, Admel Hodžić, and Elza Gaković are devising a plan to remove two ministers from the Party of BiH from the KS Government: Almir Bečarević (communal economy) and Emir Dedović (finance).

In the entire story about the reshuffle, the news of the potential dismissal of the Minister of Health Haris Vranić (SDP) and his replacement by Alen Pilav emerged like a bolt from the blue.

Minister Vranić told Patria yesterday that he had not heard of such a scenario, and after today's information that he would resign himself, he briefly stated:

"I will not resign, because I don't know why I should," said Vranić.

This example shows that there are different interest groups within the Sarajevo SDP. One side, gathered around some former and current SDP members, desires Vranić's dismissal. Vranić also had certain disagreements with NIP officials, such as the director of the KS Health Insurance Fund, Muamer Kosovac, so this party is not averse to the idea of Vranić's departure either.

Just about 15 days ago, a session of the SDP Cantonal Committee was held, where support was given to all ministers in the Government of Sarajevo Canton. The head of the Cantonal Committee is Adnan Šteta, the Minister of Transport. He bears great responsibility to resist pressure within his own party, as well as from the "trojka" partners and the demands of MPs, on whose four votes the future majority in the KS Assembly depends.

MP Damir Marjanović (ZNG), along with Redžo Lemezan, is seeking two ministries in the KS Government: higher education and finance. In that case, Naša stranka would have to give up Pavle Krstić and hand over this ministry.

We remind you that Marjanović already had the opportunity to propose a candidate for this portfolio who resigned due to the new Law on Higher Education in the summer of 2021.

The reshuffle of the KS Government will not be straightforward due to legal issues. One option is for Prime Minister Nihad Uk to resign, which would cause the entire KS Government to fall. However, they are not inclined to do that, so they are looking for another option to replace the 'unsuitable' officials as soon as possible.

Incidentally, the KS Assembly has not met for more than two months, and it will likely not be scheduled until a final agreement is reached on changing the ministers in the KS Government.