Dragan Covic, the President of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated that his greatest achievement since assuming the party leadership position is the fact that the Croat people today, despite all attacks on their political position and constitutional rights, remain an essential political factor without which a government cannot exist.

“Additionally,” he added, “institutionalizing the Croat issue within integration activities is crucial. Bosnia and Herzegovina can succeed only as the homeland of three equal constituent nations whose rights will never be questioned again. This is clear to both European and other partners,” Covic said in an interview with Vecernji list BiH on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of his election as the president of HDZ BiH.

He emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone significant changes during this period. In terms of infrastructure, it is an entirely new state. However, he also asserted that it has been demographically unsuccessful.

“Over the past years, we have experienced a pronounced sense of insecurity and inappropriate, harsh language in political life, leading to comparisons with previous times. Such behavior did not originate from our side. Nevertheless, by forming a new government at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federation of BiH, we have largely stabilized internal political dialogue, despite recent challenges. In these 19 years, we have preserved the constitutional architecture and brought Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to Western standards, although I believe we would have done so earlier if there hadn’t been continuous attacks on Bosnia and Herzegovina and its constitutional order,” Covic explained.

He identified the fundamental strategic issue as addressing the current dysfunctionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“For those who genuinely care about Bosnia and Herzegovina and call themselves ‘patriots,’ it is evident that constitutional principles, including the personal constitutiveness of the three nations, cannot be replaced by a false civic arrangement. Simply put, that would no longer be Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our strategic question today is to constitutionally ensure full equality for Croats alongside the other two nations. Additionally, we must accelerate our European path and resolve long-standing issues related to limited constitutional reforms,” Covic stated.

In the interview, Covic also addressed whether the state coalition is functioning today and whether we risk losing the remaining two years of the mandate due to disputes and blockades.

“Partnership at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina is not functioning. When we formed this government, I hoped for more mutual trust and wisdom in policymaking, avoiding intimidation or discord, whether from domestic or foreign actors. Unfortunately, we currently lack mutual trust, and unless we make a swift turnaround, we will face new crises. Local elections are approaching, and it’s high time for the coalition to function properly,” he emphasized.

Regardless of the political landscape for Croats, Covic stressed that resolving the Election Law is essential.

“There is no doubt about it. The Election Law holds one of the keys to the stability of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the future relations between Croats and Bosniaks. Our partners must finally understand this and express their commitment to coexistence with us. As for democratization within the Croatian national identity, it is not and should not be a problem. On the contrary, democratization can only strengthen us,” Covic concluded .