Jelena Pajić-Bastinac, the Secretary-General of the Presidency of Milorad Dodik in Republika Srpska, stated yesterday that the fact that Republika Srpska emerged in peace hurts those who would abolish January 9 as the Day of Republika Srpska.
“Republika Srpska emerged in peace because January 9 happened before the outbreak of armed conflicts in these areas, while linking the Day of Republika with a religious holiday represents a political question and an attempt to negate the identity of Serbs in these areas,” said Bastinac.
She emphasized that January 9 will always be the Day of Republika Srpska for its citizens and institutions. Regarding Christian Schmidt’s announcements that politicians celebrating it could be targeted, she noted that these are essentially part of constant pressures and attempts to negate everything that Republika Srpska represents.
“We, who participate in organizing the celebration of the Day of Republika, are not afraid of some German tourists. If we were afraid, we wouldn’t get involved in this matter,” Bastinac conveyed.
She stated that she issued a decree prohibiting Christian Schmidt from entering the Palace of Republika Srpska; President Milorad Dodik was aware of it, and she did not hesitate because the National Assembly of Republika Srpska made a decision stating that Schmidt is not a high representative and republican institutions cannot cooperate with him.
Bastinac also mentioned that citizens of Republika Srpska have an awareness of the importance of the institution of the president, as evidenced by their gatherings defending it in the “Border Exists” events.
Regarding women in politics, she assessed that there were some benefits from electoral quotas in the early days of multipartyism, but today they are outdated.
“In a way, it pacifies women because of the security that they will be on the list based on these quotas, and perhaps it creates a worse result because fewer are elected than on the list. If there were no quotas and there was a fair fight for the list and the position on the list, it would equally reflect on the field,” noted Bastinac.
She emphasized that the SNSD (Alliance of Independent Social Democrats) gives opportunities to young people, who should use them in the best possible way. Bastinac highlighted that being a good person is the most important thing in life, as it is the foundation on which one builds further, both professionally and politically.
Source: RTRS
