BiH - finance - response
09/01/2025
12:08
BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 1 /SRNA/ – The Minister of Finance and Treasury in the Council of Ministers Srđan Amidžić warned that with a single signature by a Bosniak, BAM 148 million was taken away from the citizens of Republika Srpska, which is a very clear political message, and called on all Serb representatives in Sarajevo to react decisively and unitedly in the interest of the people.
"Republika Srpska must decide on its own money. If we are not united and determined in Sarajevo today – tomorrow we will have nothing left to defend," Amidžić warned.
He emphasized that the signature of his deputy Muhamed Hasanović on the disputed decision came with the support of the illegitimate actions of the OHR, which enabled the adoption of decisions without the consent of Republika Srpska, something he sees as the continuation of a trend toward the unitarization of BiH.
"First they prosecute Serb leaders, then they try to take away the mandate of the Serb president, and now they are spending Serb money. This is a plan, not an incident," Amidžić pointed out, warning that a unitary BiH is a path toward a new exodus of Serbs.
The minister highlighted the concrete consequences of this financial blow, stressing that BAM 148 million is not just a number, but real resources that could have been invested in the development of Republika Srpska.
"This means six kilometers of highway and dozens of kilometers of local roads, 50 new kindergartens and security systems for more than 1,000 schools and kindergartens, as well as the complete renovation of all theaters, museums, and libraries in Republika Srpska," he noted.
In his statement, Amidžić emphasized that the money was supposed to be directed toward kindergartens, schools, and housing for young people.
"Pavement to the local clinic. Safety for your child. And all of that was spent – with one signature by a Bosniak," Amidžić noted.
Citizens of Republika Srpska, Amidžić emphasized, this is plunder.
He also criticized the lack of reaction from the opposition, noting that while millions are being stolen from Republika Srpska – the silence of the opposition today echoes louder than ever, and he called on them to remain silent no more.
Amidžić appealed for political unity, stressing that the time has come to awaken and react together in the interest of the people.