Bosnia and Herzegovina, as in previous years, remains disorganized due to disrupted internal relations and inappropriate foreign interference in domestic processes. In BiH, we have differing views on the past, conflicting approaches to overcoming current challenges, and, it seems, opposing visions for the future. To reconcile these differences—a demanding task—political will from all domestic actors is necessary. Unfortunately, this is lacking, and the situation continues to worsen. This is evident internally and is reflected in the diplomatic arena.
This was emphasized by the Serb member and Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, in an interview with “Glas Srpske.” She believes that improvement is possible, but only by setting things up in a fundamentally different manner.
- “We all need to understand that exclusivity, where one side excludes the other, is not viable. The biggest problem is the tendency to take what should be common ground and put it at the service of one group. When this happens, it leads to political struggles and disagreements, reflected in conflicting decisions. Foreign actors, instead of helping resolve specific issues, deepen internal divisions. There is a recipe for improvement, but it requires everyone to participate, without harassment, belittling, or denying anyone’s identity. No one should be forced to accept something unconstitutional under the guise of a major constitutional reform.
“I believe these are illusions, and I think we are nearing a point where certain matters need to be clarified and placed on solid foundations. If we want the rule of law, we must follow established legal frameworks. If we want to be a constitutional state, we must respect constitutional provisions. And if they need to be changed, there is a proper process for doing so—not through arbitrary actions by foreign actors or domestic ones. Everything is regulated; we just need to follow the rules,” Cvijanović stated.
Glas: Who is least committed to respecting the Constitution in BiH today?
Cvijanović: Foreigners. The Constitution prescribes who the legislators are. We’ve had numerous interventions by an individual who abused fictitious powers without any mandate based on the international agreement that established his position. Bosniak political elements are also guilty of this. If you don’t respect the rules, you violate the Constitution, leading to disorder.
There are many complications, and to resolve them, we must first focus on our assigned responsibilities. Foreign actors should limit their interventions to constructive assistance, instead of aligning with one side or pushing the country toward unitarization or anything beyond the agreed framework.
Glas: Many interpret the Constitution differently. Bosniak politicians claim they are defending BiH from unconstitutional actions by Republika Srpska.
Cvijanović: It’s easy to make accusations, but you cannot claim something is under BiH’s jurisdiction if it’s not constitutionally prescribed. Initially, there was hope for progress based on the Dayton framework, which was solid. However, numerous interventions deviated the country from that path, contaminating the situation.
Even if we had followed the original path, BiH wouldn’t be perfect today, but it would have been a functional country with internal consensus on key issues. Instead, Bosniak politicians constantly blame Republika Srpska. If you examine the history, you’ll see that problems began with unauthorized interventions by high representatives.
Even some of those representatives later admitted that their actions were wrong and not based on Dayton. To cover this up, they turned to other methods—one of which is the Constitutional Court of BiH, where three foreign judges now perform the role previously held by the OHR.
We in Srpska do not violate the Constitution. We want a credible Constitutional Court, and even the EU requires reform, including replacing foreign judges with domestic ones.
When I see resistance from Bosniaks, I’m reminded of Bakir Izetbegović’s statement that Bosniaks must never give up their goals and tools—referring to foreign judges and the OHR—rather than prioritizing institutions and dialogue. This reflects bad intentions, and it burdens the political climate here.
Foreign actors, instead of defending territorial integrity and sovereignty—something no one disputes—should address the deviations that created this dysfunctional state. Sovereignty cannot exist if foreigners are placed above institutions. It is unconstitutional for a high representative, whether legal or illegal, to impose laws because only parliaments have that authority.
Glas: But it happens.
Cvijanović: It does, and they turn a blind eye to it. If the high representative had remained within the Dayton Annex 10 mandate, he could have contributed to BiH’s European path without undermining the constitutional framework.
Instead, a construct contrary to European law, the Constitution, and international agreements was created. It is humiliating for any country to be told that an unelected foreigner must preserve it by force and undemocratic methods—all while claiming to support its European path. It’s suffocating.
Glas: What is Republika Srpska’s position in all this?
Cvijanović: Our institutions continue to function despite pressure. We have extended a hand for dialogue to navigate global challenges with minimal damage. If someone wants to talk, we are ready.
Glas: Does this disorder spill over into foreign policy? Two years ago, you said no one benefits from chaos in foreign policy. Has anything changed?
Cvijanović: There is absolute abuse of institutions. The diplomatic network serves as a tool for foreign policy that is not properly defined.
We see ambassadors acting on instructions from a single Presidency member or the foreign minister without consulting the Presidency. There’s no solution in sight.
Glas: Isn’t that contradictory? Bosniak politicians claim to defend the Constitution while undermining institutions like the Presidency.
Cvijanović: Exactly. They violate the Constitution while accusing others of doing so.
Bosniak representatives have pushed their agenda, while Serb ambassadors have tried to follow regulations. BiH is not taken seriously internationally.
Glas: You filed criminal charges against Ambassador Zlatko Lagumdžija over the Srebrenica resolution, but such acts remain in force.
Cvijanović: Yes, but it involved abuse of procedure. The world today is chaotic, like BiH. Resolutions remain unimplemented, eroding trust in international mechanisms.
BiH faces a long road to correcting these deviations and returning to normalcy. The misuse of foreign policy highlights how someone, by violating the Constitution, imposes obligations on BiH without following procedures. It’s madness.
Glas: What do you expect from Donald Trump’s administration?
Cvijanović: A more rational approach and relaxed relations. Trump and his team have announced such policies.
I hope the new U.S. president will bring the justice this region needs—as well as other places around the world.
The trial in Sarajevo
Glas: What is your view on the ongoing trial against the president of Republika Srpska and the acting director of the “Official Gazette” in the Court of BiH?
Cvijanović: From a legal standpoint, the trial is unacceptable because Christian Schmidt, who imposed the law, has no authority to do so.
According to the Constitution, he is neither a legislator nor a proposer of laws.
This trial uses the judiciary to intimidate future presidents of Republika Srpska or representatives from acting in line with the Constitution.
Source: Glas Srpske
