The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, stated today in East Sarajevo that resolving the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires the Federation of BiH to hand over Christian Schmidt to face legal consequences in Republika Srpska. Dodik accused Schmidt of false representation and attempting to dismantle BiH through unconstitutional means.
“If Schmidt appears on the territory of Republika Srpska and we receive proper information about it, we will arrest him immediately. None of his protectors will be able to help him,” Dodik declared. He emphasized that part of the solution involves removing Schmidt and his decisions, after which Republika Srpska would suspend its countermeasures and begin discussions about a potential BiH framework.
Dodik reiterated that only a voluntary Bosnia and Herzegovina can succeed, while an imposed one cannot. “The idea that the entire Republika Srpska or its majority political will can be forced into this narrative is pure illusion,” he told reporters. He placed blame for the current crisis on violations of the Dayton Agreement and BiH Constitution, particularly criticizing Bosniak leaders for allowing a foreign official to impose laws unconstitutionally.
“The false narrative portrays us as constitutional violators while ignoring that Schmidt, this false governor using fascist methods, is the one who actually breached the constitutional order,” Dodik said. He warned that no country can survive such unconstitutional interventions, expressing doubt that BiH will be an exception.
The Republika Srpska president made clear they will not accept further violations of the BiH Constitution. He criticized how those defending constitutional positions against Schmidt’s unlawful actions are being framed as criminals in the Federation’s political and media discourse.
“The Court and Prosecutor’s Office of BiH don’t exist under the Constitution. For this country to function, the Constitution must be respected,” Dodik stated, emphasizing that no High Representative has authority to impose laws or propose legislation. He concluded that Republika Srpska remains committed to protecting its constitutional rights and position within BiH.
