BUDIMIR: PROFESSIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM ESSENTIAL FOR WORK IN THE INTERIOR MINISTRY

BANJA LUKA, NOVEMBER 14 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Minister of the Interior Željko Budimir told SRNA that patriotism was a necessity in Republika Srpska, stressing that patriotism and professionalism were key values for members of the Republika Srpska police force.

Budimir believes that anyone wishing to work successfully in BiH must be both a professional and a patriot.

"Our joint institutions in BiH are full of professionals, while those institutions supposedly perform their duties professionally. Members of the other two constituent peoples, however, operate in such a way that they are guided first by the interests of their own people and only then act as professionals," Budimir said in a podcast by the Media System of Republika Srpska – SRNA.

He stressed that patriotism was a necessity in Republika Srpska, particularly in the police profession, and noted that a combination of professionalism and patriotism was essential for preserving the constitutional order and ensuring the survival of the Serb people in a complex community such as BiH.

Budimir pointed out that combining these two values did not mean compromising professionalism in the name of patriotism, but rather that a sense of belonging further motivated police officers to perform their duties to the best of their ability and protect their people.

"That is precisely what motivates you to do your job as well and professionally as possible, giving you that extra energy when your working day lasts 27 hours, figuratively speaking, because you are working to protect your people," Budimir stressed.


FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS, REPUBLIKA SRPSKA IS A PLEDGE MADE BY HEROES

He said he was very pleased with the patriotism shown by younger generations towards Republika Srpska, which he sees reflected in their professional performance of police duties and their efforts to combat misconduct within their own ranks.

"Among younger generations, from secondary school and university students to young police officers, I see a very strong sense of patriotism, perhaps even stronger than that of my generation. They have a better understanding of what Republika Srpska means. For them, Republika Srpska truly represents a pledge made by heroes," Budimir stressed.

As an example of patriotism in professional conduct, he cited a recent operation targeting a group of police officers who had abused their official positions, particularly during traffic checks.

"Colleagues did not hesitate to take action to prevent this kind of abuse that had been taking place within the Ministry of the Interior. And that is patriotism. That is the definition of patriotism. Patriotism is the most important sentiment within a nation. As long as patriotism exists, the homeland will prosper. If there is one institution in Republika Srpska where patriotism is constantly present, it is certainly the Ministry of the Interior and the police," Budimir stressed.

He said that the Republika Srpska Ministry of the Interior must make continuous progress and is more important than any individual.

Budimir reiterated that police officers who abuse their position or misuse the coat of arms and flag of Republika Srpska would face severe penalties.

"Whoever is appointed Minister of the Interior in the new Republika Srpska Government, a decision to be made by the prime minister-designate, must continue implementing the plans that have been set out. It is essential to continuously improve the security system and protect the constitutional order of the Republic to ensure its stability. One thing is certain: I will always be at the service of my people," Budimir stressed.

Budimir noted that combating drug abuse was one of the priorities of the Republika Srpska Ministry of the Interior /MoI/. "Society must join forces to fight this scourge. Public awareness of the dangers of drugs must be raised to the highest possible level," Budimir said.


TRADITION MUST BE PRESERVED

Speaking about the upcoming patron saint's day of the Republika Srpska Ministry of the Interior /MoI/ St. Archangel Michael's Day, Budimir said that tradition must be upheld in order to preserve institutions, including the MoI.

"The Republika Srpska Ministry of the Interior protects its citizens. Tradition is what sustains us, while Europe is unfortunately in crisis because it cannot find its purpose. Meeting the challenges of this century requires a strong commitment to tradition, because without institutions there can be no state, order or stability, which are essential. The police officers who helped establish our Republic believed in traditional values and, consequently, in its future. This must not be forgotten," Budimir stressed.