Strik: Schmidt's closed-door hearing is problematic, as is his amendment of election rules on October 2nd

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The exchange of views with Schmidt was quite disappointing as there seemed to be no understanding of the reasons for his criticism, MEP Tineke Strik stated in a written statement for the media after Christian Schmidt's hearing before AFET behind closed doors, which was held this morning. 

“My reason for requesting this meeting was to ensure a certain degree of accountability to the citizens of BiH affected by his decisions. Given that Mr. Schmidt has been hiding from public debate in recent months, I therefore consider holding this meeting behind closed doors to be truly problematic, as it also prevents me from commenting publicly on what exactly was said by whom during the meeting. But I can say that I have expressed my serious concerns regarding both the content and the timing of his decision of October 2nd,” Strik adds. 

As she says, that decision reinforces divisions instead of moving BiH towards an inclusive society. 

“Amending election rules retroactively is a deception to voters and creates distrust. I told him that I do not understand his strategy, why he unilaterally gave in to the demands of HDZ, taking away all reasons for them to participate in negotiations on much-needed democratic reforms for the implementation of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. The fact that Mr. Schmidt refuses to engage in public debate further undermines the legitimacy of his decisions, and I called on him to explain all of this better publicly,” Strik concluded.