Schmidt's successor? Borut Pahor's name increasingly mentioned in diplomatic circles

Former Slovenian President Borut Pahor is being mentioned in political and diplomatic circles as one of the possible candidates to succeed Christian Schmidt, Patria has confirmed from certain PIC member states.

According to our sources, discussions about a possible new High Representative have intensified in recent weeks, and among the names increasingly mentioned is Pahor, the former President and former Prime Minister of Slovenia.

Some international diplomats believe that his political biography, experience in regional relations, and long-standing contacts in the Western Balkans could be important factors in the process of electing a successor to the current High Representative.

This line of thinking was further indicated by Schmidt's recent statement to Face TV, in which, speaking about his successor, he indirectly alluded to Slovenia.

“Whoever the High Representative is in the next period, I would recommend one thing to him. If the High Representative in the future, I don't know where he will come from, if he comes from across the Alps, say Slovenia, and there are more bears there than in Bosnia, and he finds a bear skin, I would recommend him to put it on and use it. He needs thick skin here to be able to do his job,” Schmidt said.

In diplomatic circles, Schmidt's statement was not taken as a casual remark. On the contrary, some interlocutors believe that it practically confirmed that a Slovenian candidate is already being seriously discussed among the member states of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC).

Pahor has previously profiled himself as a politician actively involved in regional processes. During his term as President of Slovenia, he frequently visited Western Balkan countries, advocating for the region's European path, dialogue, and stability. After completing his presidential term, he founded the Institute of Friends of the Western Balkans, which emerged from his political experiences and network of contacts built over years of work in the region.

Precisely because of this, part of the international community sees him as a candidate who understands the political relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as broader regional circumstances. At the same time, there are differing opinions within diplomatic circles about what kind of profile the future High Representative should have for Bosnia and Herzegovina at this moment, especially considering the complex political situation and the increasing blockades of institutions.

According to information, the issue of Schmidt's successor could be on the agenda as early as the PIC Steering Board session to be held in Sarajevo on June 3 and 4. A discussion on the future of the OHR is expected at this session, as well as consultations on possible candidates for the new High Representative.

We remind you that Schmidt has decided to end his mandate as head of the OHR in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has requested the initiation of the procedure for electing his successor. His mandate was marked by numerous political crises, the use of the Bonn powers, but also strong reactions from domestic political actors, which is why the election of a new High Representative will have significant political and diplomatic importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community.