Dodik slams Schmidt after funds for his party are blocked

Speaking to the media in Istocno Sarajevo, Dodik described Schmidt’s move as a “flagrant political attack” and questioned its legality, calling the High Representative a “fascist” and insisting that “he has no legitimacy or authority.” Schmidt’s decision redirects all funds intended for the two parties to a special account at the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Schmidt stated the measure is intended to support state institutions in resisting what he described as “flagrant attacks” by the ruling coalition of Republika Srpska on the constitutional order and legal framework of the country.

In response, Dodik accused Schmidt and Bosniak political partners of orchestrating a coordinated campaign to dismantle Republika Srpska's autonomy, claiming the Dayton Peace Agreement is no longer being respected.

“Schmidt came here using fascist methods and imposed his will. He is an impostor without any mandate. His presence is destroying Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Dodik.

He then threatened to arrest Schmidt if he entered Republika Srpska territory.

“If he shows up here, we will detain him. The solution is clear: Schmidt out, his decisions out. We will block the application of his decrees. Only a Bosnia that is not imposed can survive — not one ruled by outsiders.”

Dodik also responded to a failed attempt by Bosnia's State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) to detain him outside the RS Government building in Istocno Sarajevo on Sunday evening. He said three SIPA inspectors failed to present valid identification and were stopped by the RS police.

“They tried to arrest the president of an entity without proper authorisation. That’s not how the system should function,” he said, denying he was a fugitive and stating he would be travelling to Moscow.

He further criticised the stripping of party funding. “How is it that other parties continue to receive financing, and we don’t? We are a parliamentary party. This is a blatant political manoeuvre,” Dodik said, adding that his salary comes via post, not through party channels.