BiH's RS entity passes new controversial law, abolishes budget financing of political parties

According to the new law, a political organization may be financed from membership fees, voluntary contributions, publishing activities, sales of propaganda material and organizing its own events, income from property owned by the political organization, and profits from a commercial company owned by the political organization.

"The reason for adopting the Law under urgent procedure is contained in Article 213 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska ('Official Gazette of the Republic of Srpska', No. 66/20), which stipulates that a law may be adopted under urgent procedure only when it regulates issues and relations that have arisen due to unforeseen circumstances, and failure to adopt the law urgently could cause harmful consequences to human life and health, the security of the Republic, or the functioning of state bodies and organizations

Passing this law urgently is necessary in order to redirect budget funds—both at the republic and local level—as soon as possible toward purposes that are in the general interest of all citizens of the Republic of Srpska (e.g., for the construction or reconstruction of schools and hospitals, sports fields and playgrounds, etc.)", the justification stated.

This triggered fierce reactions from opposition MPs, who said that with this move the RS entity is being turned into a dictatorship and one-man rule, and that Dodik is trying to destroy political parties.

The law enters into force the day after its publication in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Srpska."