What were advisors doing: Nobody dared to tell Sebija Izetbegovic she had no right to government car

By: Armin Aljovic

The closest associates of SDA's president and the member of BiH Presidency, Bakir Izetbegovic, caused him serious political harm over the past several months.

SDA's General Secretary, Amir Zukic and two vice-presidents, Asim Sarajlic and Mirsad Kukic are charged for most serious form of abuse of power. Zukic is in detention in Zenica prison pending the court trial. As much as Izetbegovic has tried to keep away with regard to this case, the public perceives him as part of the scandal.

Mrs. Bakir Izetbegovic, Dr. Sebija Izetbegovic, Director of Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, used an official vehicle of BiH Presidency to drive herself to a meeting in Tuzla on 17 April. Safet Softic, a delegate in the Parliament made a feeble attempt to contain the scandal caused by the Izetbegovic family. Softic tried to justify the unauthorized use of the car by saying that Dr. Izetbegovic was doing a job for the state. There are many other officials who are doing jobs for the state. Does it mean that anyone from the opposition can avail of the presidential car?

The public has been waiting for 3 days for an explanation as to why Dr. Izetbegovic used her husband's business car without relevant authorization. As if there could be a valid explanation for violation of the state Regulations of procurement and usage of official vehicles in BH institutions.  

Who gave Dr Izetbegovic permission to use the presidential vehicle? Critics rightly assert that number of kilometers and costs are the least of the problem. The real problem is an utter lack of respect for the state BiH and its legislation.

What were presidential advisors doing? Did anyone try to warn the member of the Presidency about negligence?

A few months ago, in neighboring Serbia, the state secretary in the Ministry of work, Aleksandar Jablanovic resigned on account of vehicle misuse. Swedish education minister of Bosnian origin, Aida Hadzialic, resigned last summer on account of having driven with 0.2 promiles of alcohol in her blood.   

It's not that in other countries rules do not get broken. Far from it. However, laws and rules have to be above any official. Without such setting, we can hardly talk about rule of law.