Plenković Responds to DP on Bosnian Croat Representation: Broader Agreement Needed

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed the Homeland Movement's (DP) recent proposal concerning the political representation of ethnic Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina's presidency. Plenković acknowledged the DP's initiative, suggesting it stems from a desire for political profiling on the issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rights of Croats.

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This is obviously a political effort for the visibility of DP on the topic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rights of Croats. We will discuss it at the coalition meeting and then we will see the purpose of this initiative.

"This is obviously a political effort for the visibility of DP on the topic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rights of Croats," Plenković told reporters. "We will discuss it at the coalition meeting and then we will see the purpose of this initiative." He stressed that any changes within Bosnia and Herzegovina necessitate agreement not only from Croatia and its Croat population but also from other constituent peoples within the neighboring country.

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To change something in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is not enough to have only Croats and Croatia; others must also agree. That is the whole game.

The DP had earlier called for an urgent initiative, via a declaration, to establish a Croatian electoral unit within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They argue this would safeguard the Federation's existence and protect Croat rights, ensuring the election of legitimate Croatian representatives to the presidency. The DP warned that if their proposal is not accepted or alternative solutions are not found, Croatia would have the right to revert to the pre-Dayton Agreement status, implying the re-establishment of the Croatian Republic of Herceg-Bosna as a constituent part of a United States of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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I understand the DP's need for political profiling, but I have 'serious reservations about their style.'

Plenković expressed reservations about the DP's approach, stating, "I understand the DP's need for political profiling, but I have 'serious reservations about their style.'" He recognized the injustice faced by Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly the situation where the formally elected Croatian member of the presidency is not chosen by Croat votes but by Bosniak votes. "However, as long as there is no consensus on changing the electoral law, this practice, due to the majority relations in terms of the number of voters who are Bosniaks and the number of voters who are Croats in the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, unfortunately occurs," Plenković explained. He also noted that Željko Komšić, the current de facto Croatian member of the presidency, would not be eligible to run again. HDZ will support Darijana Filipović in the upcoming October elections for the presidency, with Plenković expressing optimism that "legitimate representatives of the Croatian people have a better chance this time."

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However, as long as there is no consensus on changing the electoral law, this practice, due to the majority relations in terms of the number of voters who are Bosniaks and the number of voters who are Croats in the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, unfortunately occurs.