The way BH government works: Because we (don't) care

By: Armin ALJOVIC

It has been several months since the federal parliament adopted any reform law. Its sessions are held merely to accommodate endless debates about reports of the government's bodies. The law on retirement was rejected without any sensible explanation, which is why the thousands of future pensioners will not have been able to achieve premature pension. The country is facing an impasse on its road to Europe and NATO.

The president of federation BiH, Marinko Cavara, blames the political parties for the difficult situation in the federation. 'We are hostages of the political parties, even as their members, so the parliamentary majority does not function the way we would want it', Cavara said to the journalists in Sarajevo. He has this tendency to think of himself in a poetic way, as he is on the other side... He doesn't care. He is not sensitive to the consequences that the citizens are facing. As he is not the part of that circle that cuts and tailors the destiny of thousands in the federation.

Cavara spoke as if he was not the part of that parliamentary majority which makes hostages. No, he is merely a hostage, the one who suffers because of ill behavior of his political party. Cavara is one of the highest ranking officials of HDZ BiH, he is a member of this party which has been sabotaging political and infrastructure projects in Federation for sake of its own interests.

Our politicians are so deeply present in our reality that, they need to be reminded every now and then that they still live with the people, with so-called 'voters'. They think themselves so important that they do not have to work or do anything throughout their entire mandates. Sporadic confronting their quasi coalition partners, underlining the importance of ‘preserving the national interest' will suffice for them to remain in power.

Because, if they dare to attack the relations between HDZ and SDA, the leading parties, then everything is possible.

This kind of behavior of the politicians has become standard practice in BiH. You are in power and you talk as is you are in the opposition. Because the system of responsibility does not exist. Direct culprits are never named, at least not with precision, even when it comes to big failure and neglects such as damaging budget for millions of KM. The entire robbery of the state assets is hidden behind the collective responsibility. Often behind the national interests as well.

The biggest responsibility for such difficult situation in BiH lies with SDA. After more than 20 years since the end of the war, they have failed to build the institutions that would protect the state and its citizens from thugs of any sort. Instead, they have been building the individuals who have created their own rules to the benefit of the party and themselves – not so much to the benefit of the local community.

Just like in communist times... You do a round of self-criticism and you move on.

Or, as in a new version: you publicly confess your wrongdoings. Your party leader grants you absolution and you move on.