Smajić for NAP: The current government in BiH has not benefited citizens or the state!

(Patria) - The work of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024 was extremely weak and far from the needs of the citizens, believes state delegate Džemal Smajić (SBiH).

- Instead of being a platform for resolving key issues, the House of Peoples has become a captive of political games and blockades, especially by representatives of the ruling coalition - Smajić told the Patria News Agency.

According to him, one of the most significant problems is certainly the failure to adopt key laws and strategies that should ensure economic growth and development.

- For example, the Growth and Reform Plan, which was supposed to be the basis for launching the economy and creating new jobs, was not adopted, resulting in lost opportunities for progress.

This is a direct consequence of the lack of political will and the inability of the ruling structures to put citizens' interests ahead of party calculations - says Smajić.

The Council of Ministers of BiH in 2024, assesses our interlocutor, has shown an inability to manage key challenges - expectations were high, but the results are more than disappointing.

- The failure to adopt the Growth Plan is the best example of how this government is incapable of making strategic decisions that would benefit citizens.

Instead of focusing on economic reforms and improving living standards, the Council of Ministers is engaged in political games and blockades that hinder progress.

It is particularly concerning that decisions are made non-transparently and often at the expense of one nation, which further deepens mistrust.

The blockades we have seen this year clearly show that the political system in BiH is a hostage to party interests and mutual blackmail, which paralyzes institutions - states Smajić.

He emphasizes that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have not benefited in any way from the coalitions, neither from the one at the federal nor from the one at the state level.

- On the contrary, the Trojka - HDZ coalition at the federal level and the Trojka - SNSD - HDZ coalition at the state level have caused more harm than good. In its political actions, Trojka has trampled on the dignity of citizens and disrupted the national balance in institutions to the detriment of Bosniaks.

We see how Bosniaks are systematically marginalized in key state institutions, while the interests of SNSD and HDZ are dominant. This represents a serious blow to the balance within institutions and further erodes citizens' trust in the government.

Such a policy not only undermines institution-building based on equality but also creates a sense of insecurity among Bosniaks, who are often pushed to the background when it comes to political decisions - says Smajić.

He warns that the conclusions adopted at the last session of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska are a direct blow to the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its institutions.

- Such moves are not only legally unfounded but also politically dangerous because they encourage further divisions and destabilization of the country. These are attempts to further weaken BiH's institutional capacity, which ultimately harms all citizens, including those in the smaller BiH entity.

Adequate responses to these moves must be decisive. The international community, especially the High Representative, must show readiness to use the Bonn Powers and prevent further escalation.

In parallel, it is necessary to strengthen the position of BiH institutions through the cooperation of pro-Bosnian political forces, because only a united response can preserve the country's sovereignty - concludes Smajić in an interview with Patria.

(D.K.)