Andrić: The government in Bijelo Polje operates on the principle of a political marketplace, not responsible governance

Europe Now Movement (PES) official Jelenka Andrić assessed that the agreement between the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and the Bosniak Party (BS) on the continuation of power in Bijelo Polje is only confirmation of everything she has been warning about for months - that the alleged crisis was a pre-staged political play, designed solely for the purpose of trading positions and resources.

"Citizens have once again received proof that the budget, development projects and institutional stability are not viewed as obligations towards the public interest, but as a coin for bargaining between coalition partners. Today's messages that certain functions will be 'temporarily' postponed, provided that the other side fulfills the agreements, only further expose the essence - the government in Bijelo Polje operates according to the principle of a political marketplace, not responsible governance. Of particular concern is the fact that capital projects and infrastructure are being used as negotiating trump cards, tied to narrow party and interest calculations. The development of the city must not depend on who will get which function or which political concession, but must be guided by a clear plan and the needs of all citizens," Andrić told "Vijesti".

DPS and BS, Andrić pointed out, have once again shown that preserving power is more important to them than the actual progress of Bijelo Polje.

"For years we have been watching the same scenario – a fake crisis, negotiations behind closed doors, and then a 'deal' that is presented as stability, while citizens remain on the sidelines. The truth is simple: this is not stability, but the continuation of political trade," Andrić said.

"Vijesti" reported earlier today that the presidents of the municipal boards of the Bosniak Party (BS) and the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Ernad Suljević and Elvir Zvrko, have reached an agreement for the two parties to continue exercising power in Bijelo Polje.