Radovan Višković, Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, stated today that he does not fear political persecution from Sarajevo, emphasizing that he is proud of his work at the helm of the Republika Srpska Government.
- “There are people in the Federation of BiH who cannot even tolerate the name ‘Republika Srpska,’ let alone its existence. That is why this political persecution is happening. This is not about individuals, but rather an attack on three key institutions—the President of Republika Srpska, the National Assembly, and the Government,” Višković told reporters in Banja Luka.
He stressed that he will travel outside BiH for business whenever necessary but will always return.
- “This is my land, my inheritance. I will also travel to the other entity to do my job. I fear no one and nothing,” Višković stated, adding that he has done nothing for which he should feel guilty.
He reiterated that this is an attack on the institutions of Republika Srpska, and that without them, the economy, pensions, veterans’ benefits, education, and other key sectors would be in jeopardy.
- “Who will provide all these payments? The ones in Sarajevo? Yeah, right, I highly doubt that,” Višković remarked sarcastically.
He reaffirmed his pride in the achievements of his government, adding that people can love or hate him, but facts and results speak louder than lies and manipulations.
BiH is causing immense financial damage to Republika Srpska
Višković stated that the current setup of BiH is inflicting enormous financial damage on Republika Srpska, particularly by blocking projects and spreading misinformation that contradicts reality, as visible investments exist in many local communities.
- “I want to emphasize that this version of BiH has inflicted enormous financial harm on Republika Srpska, amounting to millions. They prevented us from building the gas pipeline from Bijeljina to Banja Luka. They blocked the construction of two gas power plants,” Višković said.
He pointed out that funding and investors were already secured for these projects.
- “They have caused immeasurable economic damage. Through BiH’s Constitutional Court, they blocked our joint project with Serbia—Buk Bijela Hydroelectric Plant. Has Republika Srpska ever blocked a single project in the Federation of BiH? No, and we wouldn’t even think of doing that,” Višković stated.
He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to inflict economic harm on Republika Srpska.
- “When was there ever political stability in BiH? We keep hearing the same story. I invite you to walk through Laktaši and see the massive investments coming from Slovenia, Germany, and Italy. These countries are investing huge sums,” he added.
Progress is possible only through agreement—without Schmidt
The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska stated that BiH can only move forward through dialogue and the removal of Christian Schmidt.
- “For the sake of this country’s future and the honorable and honest people who live here, regardless of nationality or faith, we need to sit down and reach an agreement,” Višković said.
He pointed out that Schmidt has now stepped back, after everything he has done in BiH.
- “Yet, I am being persecuted for his actions. What attack on the constitutional order? What am I, Al-Qaeda?!” Višković exclaimed.
He reminded the public that Schmidt intervened in BiH’s Criminal Code, specifically Article 156, Paragraph 1, where he added a provision stating that any unlawful act can be considered an attack on the constitutional order.
- “That means that any minor offense could now be labeled as ‘an attack on the constitutional order.’“
Višković emphasized that anyone, from university rectors to ordinary citizens, could now be accused of this so-called crime.
- “If I say that BiH has done more harm than good to Republika Srpska over the years, they can charge me with another so-called attack on the constitutional order,” Višković warned.
He reiterated that he is not afraid, that he is performing his duties honorably, and that he has violated no laws or harmed any ethnic group.
- “In fact, I am a greater friend to both the Bosniak and Croat people today than many in Sarajevo who pretend to be their protectors,” he stated.
Višković expressed pride in the results of his government and thanked the people across BiH who know who he is and what he stands for.
Republika Srpska controlled its borders even after the Dayton Agreement
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Republika Srpska is acting in full compliance with the BiH Constitution, noting that for six years after the signing of the Dayton Agreement, it controlled its borders—and could do so again in the future.
Speaking about Republika Srpska’s decision to establish its own border police, Višković stated that a working group has been formed, although he cannot predict how long the process will take.
- “Until 2001, Republika Srpska’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) controlled its borders with neighboring countries,” he reminded.
The Government of Republika Srpska has tasked MUP with drafting legislation to regulate border control and crossings on the territory of Republika Srpska. The goal is to ensure that border security is handled by Republika Srpska’s own law enforcement agencies.
Source: Glas Srpske
