Christian Schmidt resigns

The High Representative of the International Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, has resigned from that position after almost five years at the helm of the Office of the High Representative, it was confirmed today for N1 Sarajevo.

The German diplomat has already informed the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) of his intention, requesting that it initiate the procedure for selecting a new High Representative.

Schmidt will continue to perform regular duties in full capacity until the process of appointing his successor is completed.

Media in BiH earlier today hinted at the imminent possibility of Schmidt's resignation.

Kliks stated that, according to unofficial information, Schmidt believes that BiH has not yet fulfilled the conditions of the 5+2 program, which includes issues of state and military property, the Brčko District, fiscal sustainability, and the rule of law.

There are allegedly additional political reasons behind Schmidt's resignation, and one of the key problems is the issue of state property, in which the American administration is also interested.

For years, pressure has been exerted by the Republika Srpska authorities, who consider Šmit to have been illegally elected.

According to the same information, his departure was allegedly mentioned in the context of the agreement between the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats and the US administration on the lifting of sanctions and the withdrawal of controversial laws.

Schmidt's mandate is the second longest in the history of a High Representative in BiH. He was elected to the position on 27 May 2021, but officially took office on 2 August of the same year.