The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, emphasized today that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to the policies of protecting Republika Srpska. He stated that Republika Srpska does not follow anyone’s orders but acts solely in what it deems to be its best interest.
Dodik, who also leads the SNSD party, dismissed claims that his party or Republika Srpska takes directives from external actors, labeling such accusations as baseless and reflective of a lack of vision from those making them.
- “Apparently, I get calls every day from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. Soon they’ll say he called me 15 minutes ago to suggest Branislav Borenović for the Collegium of the House of Representatives of BiH. It’s nonsense. Whenever they wanted to fabricate something, they referenced such claims,” Dodik said, questioning where his critics stand now that Russia is achieving victories.
He noted that even Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković recently acknowledged that sanctions against Russia have been ineffective. He added that more European leaders are sharing similar views, while former U.S. President Donald Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “no saint.”
EU’s crisis and shifting dynamics
Dodik highlighted the serious structural, economic, and organizational crisis within the European Union.
- “Meetings are being arranged without a seat for the EU, which has been devastated by the political misjudgments of its leaders. The EU has chosen to lose its energy efficiency and economic advantage. Every country, including Germany—which was unthinkable five years ago—is facing decline and recession. There’s no leader who can truly represent Europe,” Dodik stated during a press conference in Banja Luka.
He argued that Republika Srpska understands the implications of Trump’s approach, which will bypass the EU in favor of working directly with member states and prioritizing friendly nations. He criticized the “Trojka” in Bosnia and Herzegovina for offering nothing but rhetoric about being reformists.
Criticism of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dodik reiterated that Republika Srpska derives no benefit from Bosnia and Herzegovina but suffers significant economic harm instead.
- “Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a place where Republika Srpska feels comfortable. We lose out on taxes, excise revenues, and funds that remain undistributed for years even when agreements are made,” Dodik said.
He referenced funds from indirect taxes that, in 2014, were ruled to belong to Republika Srpska but have yet to be collected.
Dodik also criticized Mirko Šarović, recalling how he supported him during his imprisonment, only for Šarović now to pledge loyalty to Sarajevo and claim he would do nothing against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- “Republika Srpska gains nothing from Bosnia and Herzegovina but suffers enormous economic losses,” Dodik concluded.
Source: RTRS
