Zvizdić on joining NIP: I recognised courageous action, we will be bearers of change

(Patria) - Denis Zvizdić has joined the People and Justice party. Explaining his decision, he said he recognised the courageous action of NIP in very turbulent political circumstances.

„This project is developing and moving towards a modern political organisation. NIP is one of the rare parties that entered coalitions in accordance with principles rather than seat-sharing. That should be the way of behaviour in all further activities. I am convinced that NIP will achieve the greatest success in the upcoming General Elections, because they are an alternative to the existing ideologically bankrupt ruling parties. Some may say I am speaking prematurely, but I can assess the situation,“ Zvizdić said.

He said that the political scene is completely ready for a real alternative that will fulfil its promise and restore honour and justice to Bosnian politics. He stressed that it will be necessary to defeat party nationalisms.

„NIP will be the bearer of change, and that from the ground up. And in segments that are strategically important for the state,“ Zvizdić added.

He listed the most important principles of action. Among other things, he said that expertise must play a key role, and that educated, honourable and thinking people must have priority over incompetent but compliant ones.

"I recognised these principles in the consistent and courageous action of the People and Justice party, and that is one of the key elements for me to be part of this successful project. The People and Justice party is one of the rare parties that entered coalitions exclusively based on programmatic goals, and not on seat distribution," he concluded.

Zvizdić was a long-time member of the SDA, which he left several months ago due to disagreements with the SDA leadership and Bakir Izetbegović.

Asked whether he will resign, Zvizdić explained: 

"If I were to resign and leave the Collegium, which decides by a majority of two members, that would mean that there would no longer be a representative of Bosniaks, and that would mean that representatives of the other two peoples could legally and legitimately decide on all important issues. I do not dispute any party, including my former party, from initiating such a removal procedure, but I will very carefully monitor those processes and there is no question of any kind of trade-off, and I will not go into details. There were at least two or three attempts at such political horse-trading, in which my former party was ready to cede certain positions or deviate from previously proclaimed principles for the appointment of the Minister of Human Rights and Refugees, so that the SNSD and other parties would be ready to vote for my removal. Such a thing did not go through. I will not resign because that would be an irresponsible move towards the processes in BiH. Can they initiate my removal? They can, but in accordance with procedures and without any trade-off. In case I learn of any trade-off, I will speak about it very clearly and transparently, and about who is arranging such a trade-off and what the subject of such a trade-off is," Zvizdić said.