Kasim Trnka, professor and constitutional law expert from the Council of Bosniak Intellectuals, Ivo Markovic from the Croatian National Council, and Rajko Zivkovic from the Serb Civic Council of BiH spoke to N1 about frequent serious, and concerning topics have dominated the discourse in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) recently.

Trnka begins by pointing out that citizens are worried, and with good reason.

“That uneasiness is not without foundation because what is happening provokes different suspicions and distrust in the development of these events. A serious analysis must consider the international context of these developments, the regional context, and then the question of internal relations in BiH, recognizing that this isn't just a result of the current situation, but a long-term process in which various conflicting concepts have emerged,” Trnka said, referring to the unresolved nature of the Dayton Peace Agreement. “It ended in a draw; we don't know which values won, which were defeated, or who was the winner and loser in the war.”

Ivo Markovic calls on European officials to help solve the issues in Bosnia.

“It seems that Bosnia can't sort itself out, that too many forces are breaking it apart. We can't solve the problems in Bosnia without Europe, and that's the only thing that opens any hope or perspective. If Bosnia could solve its problems alone, I think there would be a lot more chances,” Markovic said.

Zivkovic stated that politicians cannot resolve the issues in Bosnia, only ordinary people can.

“If we have the strength, energy, and will, we can do it, but only when we want to. (What's stopping us?) It's the bad politics, their executors who still drive politics for their interest, political structures with vested interests,” he said.

All the problems, as Trnka explained, originate from the country's socio-political structure, divided into national lines.

“By definition, national parties are introverted. They are closed within their national framework and do not show the ability to communicate with others,” said Trnka.

Markovic is certain that there is no democracy in Bosnia.

“We don't have democracy because we can't change the government. You see how long Dodik, Covic, and Izetbegovic have been in power; they need to be removed. If you can't change the government, it's not democracy,” he said.

As for restoring trust among the different groups, Zivkovic emphasized that it is not an easy task.

“Restoring trust is not easy. We must let young people know. It's up to them to try to rebuild mutual trust.”

Ultimately, Zivkovic concluded that we can build a better life only together.