The Croatian Party of Rights of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HSP BiH) on Thursday condemned the formation of a new government in the Serb-dominated entity of Republika Srpska, calling it unconstitutional and illegitimate.
The party said the cabinet, led by prime minister-designate Savo Minić, was formed in violation of Bosnia’s constitution and laws and amounted to “institutional violence” against all peoples in the country.
HSP BiH singled out the appointment of three so-called “Croat ministers” – Bojan Vipotnik, Anđelka Kuzmić and Borivoj Golubović – accusing them of being loyalists of Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik’s SNSD party rather than legitimate representatives of the Croat community.
“These individuals have no support among Croats, nor do they come from Croat political parties,” the statement said. “They declare themselves Croats solely for the sake of holding positions, while showing open disregard for Croat identity and interests.”
Party leader Nikola Raguž said Croats would not accept that Dodik or anyone else chooses their representatives. He urged all Croat political leaders to respond swiftly, warning that silence would amount to legitimising Dodik’s actions.
HSP BiH also called on Croats across Bosnia to remain calm but firm, vowing to defend their identity, rights and dignity.