Assembly of Zenica-Doboj Canton Supports Draft Amendments to the Law on Higher Education

(Patria) - The Prime Minister of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK) Nezir Pivić thanked the deputies of the current majority in the ZDK Assembly who supported the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Higher Education.

- The deputies unequivocally supported the Government's intention to introduce order and financial control at the University of Zenica, as is done in Western countries, without infringing on academic freedoms in any way - said Pivić.

Although the Government's initial proposal was for this law to be considered under an expedited procedure, the Government ultimately opted for the draft form, so a public debate will be held.

Pivić emphasizes that the Government has thus shown that it is sincere in its intention to create foundations for a brighter future for the University of Zenica.

- We have shown breadth by giving everyone another opportunity to participate in the public debate. In the Assembly debate, we heard remarks that we had previously accepted, and I think it will be a simple and easy task when we talk about the public debate - added the Prime Minister of ZDK.

He reiterates that the goal of amending the Law on Higher Education is to introduce financial control and that when this government was formed, he announced that the focus of its work would be to introduce order in the financial operations of public institutions, as well as greater accountability.

- Those who are bothered by financial discipline and who have shown arrogance and extravagance with public funds for years are protesting against the amendments to the law, which is confirmed by the three rejected financial operations reports by the ZDK Assembly.

And it is certain that the fourth consecutive report will not be adopted because numerous irregularities in financial operations are indicated. In addition, we want to prevent the further accumulation of positions, as this has been a privilege for a narrow circle of people at UNZE for years - said Pivić.

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Mirza Mušija, rejected the claims that these amendments infringe on academic freedoms, endanger the autonomy of the University of Zenica, and violate the Framework Law on Higher Education of BiH, stating that it was precisely for this reason that it was decided that the law would go through the regular procedure.

- To leave about 15 days so that everyone can express their opinion and everyone can respond on the principle of fairness and because they are being burdened and accused.

We will present our views and the reasons why this is being done, and the University, or the entire public, will have the opportunity to express their views and then explain these serious qualifications. I hope that many will be ashamed after this - Mušija stated.