SDP's 1991 discomfort with Yugoslavia echoes in Bosnia vote

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has once again demonstrated its reluctance to take a firm stance on issues vital to Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During a recent parliamentary session, SDP deputies abstained from voting on a resolution aimed at strengthening the political position of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their justification was that supporting the resolution might "irritate" Bosniak and Serb communities.

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They are not voting for the Resolution on empowering Croats in BiH because it would 'irritate' Bosniaks and Serbs.

This move has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents labeling it as a continuation of the SDP's historical pattern of indecision and avoidance. The article draws a parallel to June 25, 1991, when Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia. At that critical juncture, many SDP members, then known as SKH-SDP, reportedly voted against the Constitutional Decision on Sovereignty and Independence. While some fact-checkers claim the party did not flee the assembly, the article asserts that a significant portion of SDP deputies, particularly those of Serb ethnicity who were heading to areas of rebellion, left the hall. Of the remaining 49 SDP deputies, 48 voted against the decision, with only one voting in favor.

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It is the same SDP that voted against the Constitutional Decision on sovereignty and independence of RH in '91.

The SDP's explanation at the time was that they opposed the decision because their amendment for a "new association of republics" was rejected. They had proposed that Croatia initiate a process for rejoining a new union of Yugoslav republics, essentially a confederation, alongside the process of disassociation from SFRY. However, the article frames this as a weak excuse, suggesting it was a tactic to avoid fully committing to independence. The current abstention on the Bosnia and Herzegovina resolution is seen as a modern echo of this historical hesitancy, with the party prioritizing appeasing other ethnic groups over advocating for the rights of Croats.

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SDP's Arsen Bauk previously explained why SDP will again evade even such an 'alleviated' Resolution, saying that Croats in BiH are indeed outvoted, but that the other two entities should not be 'irritated'!? Translated, this means that SDP members are aware that Bosniaks outvote Croats and have been electing their own 'Croats' to the Presidency for several terms, but, regardless, it is better for us all to remain silent so as not to anger Bosniaks and Serbs.