Hungarian Deputy Minister sparks controversy with statements in Banja Luka

During his address, Magyar stated that he had come to Banja Luka to express support for Republika Srpska and its president, Milorad Dodik.

“We are here to stand by those facing a political witch hunt, and to show solidarity with all citizens of Republika Srpska, as well as the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina, because the West still treats BiH as its province where it can do whatever it wants,” Magyar said, referring to Dodik’s recent first-instance conviction, thus directly interfering in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judicial processes.

Magyar further stated that “it is necessary to read history books and recall what happened to Bosnia and Herzegovina when foreign policies sought to serve their own interests.”

“The West always decides on Eastern Europe without understanding its history. What the West is doing to Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not right; they cannot treat this country as an enemy and consider Republika Srpska and Dodik as adversaries. The Serb people are a proud people and should not tolerate this. Our relations are such that we truly support you, just as Serbia does,” Magyar continued.

He also claimed that Hungary's official policy is based on "understanding" and criticized Western policies toward Bosnia.

“Budapest wants to participate in dialogue and finding solutions as a close neighbor, unlike those who interfere while being thousands of kilometers away from the Balkans. Whatever happens to you, we will feel it too. The time when Hungary was merely an observer of events in the Balkans is over. We have chosen a policy of understanding and oppose Western intentions,” he added.

Magyar acknowledged Bosnia and Herzegovina as a country that has suffered greatly in the past.

“We are witnessing the West supporting the brutal conflict in Ukraine while also encouraging certain directions in the Western Balkans that could once again lead to war. This is a sovereign country, not a province,” Magyar said.

He reiterated Hungary’s support for Republika Srpska’s president, Milorad Dodik.

“In these times, when Western politicians have launched a campaign against you, we believe it is important to reaffirm our support. Regardless of everything, we will continue doing so in the future,” Magyar concluded.

It is important to note that after Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also expressed support for Dodik following his first-instance conviction, calling it a "political witch hunt."

Additionally, earlier on Monday, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Defense Minister Zukan Helez banned a Hungarian military aircraft from landing in the country. The plane was initially scheduled to land at Sarajevo Airport before continuing to Banja Luka.