Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, stated that the Appeals Chamber of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s decision effectively marks the end of Milorad Dodik’s political career, after more than 15 years of uninterrupted rule in the Republika Srpska (RS) entity.
“The ‘Serbian world’ has collapsed like a house of cards. Following today’s ruling, Dodik’s political life has come to an end. To add to this, RS Prime Minister Radovan Višković, Dodik’s closest ally, also resigned, bringing down what was likely the most corrupt government in Europe,” Helez said.
Helez emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina had prevailed, as its institutions—so often targeted by the RS leadership—had legally ended Dodik’s career, showcasing their strength and effectiveness.
He contrasted the situation across the Drina River, noting:
- In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greater Serbian politics and Putin’s closest allies in the region have been dismantled.
- In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vučić’s regime is resorting to deploying the army against its own citizens in a bid to survive.
Helez expressed deep concern over the increasingly violent response of Serbian authorities toward protesters:
“The arrest of 12-year-olds and the beating of citizens peacefully seeking freedom and justice are practices typical of dictatorial regimes in South America or Africa, not of a European country. Vučić’s regime may delay its collapse temporarily, but not for long.”
According to Helez, the long-term impact of Dodik and Vučić’s rule is devastating: their policies have left the territories they governed among the poorest in Europe, destroying the future of millions.
He concluded by stressing that better days are ahead for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with opportunities for freedom, equality, justice, economic progress, and EU integration:
“Dodik may continue with rhetoric on secession and referendums, but even at home, no one takes this seriously anymore. What matters is that Bosnia and Herzegovina is moving toward a brighter future.”
