Sarajevo Canton PM Nihad Uk resigns following fatal tram accident

"When I took over the position of Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, in my address, I primarily spoke about young people. How to be their support, how to turn towards their future and not our past.

Young people have taken to the streets.

We in Nasa Stranka have always called for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage, to raise their voices. They have done so. They did it because of the young man who lost his life, and because of the young woman for whose recovery we are all praying. But young people also raised their voices against the Government I lead. The message of my fellow citizens, the message of young people, is important to me. Certainly more important than my position. And when I choose between the voice and courage of young people on one side and my position on the other, the choice is clear. I deeply believe that it would be better for all of us in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in neighboring countries, if we humbly listened to the voices of the young people who took to the streets.

I have performed this job honorably and honestly, in accordance with the conviction that we must accept responsibility when we are appointed to positions, as well as when taking responsibility can restore or give birth to a new faith in the system.

Today, I am submitting my resignation from the position of Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton.

In recent days, I have worked day and night: at the site of the tragedy, in the hospital, and in the Government. My colleagues in the KS Government are no less devastated by the tragedy, and they have been no less engaged in the past days. I will continue to give my best to ensure we uncover the truth and take responsibility, but also to restore faith in a system that can and must be transparent, just, and safe.

In a country where trust is fragile, almost irreversibly damaged, the mere appearance of doubt is often perceived as confirmation. In such an environment, the discussion on political responsibility takes on new weight. I want to tell my colleagues from the opposition one thing, tragedy must not be an occasion for framing, spreading falsehoods, and maneuvering. I am sorry that you chose that path. Skill in political framing is not a virtue but a cause of citizens' distrust in the system.

As the head of this Government, I want people across Bosnia and Herzegovina to realize they have the power of change and that we are listening to them. And hearing them. And that we will do everything so they experience the system as their home, a fate we decide on equally and together.

I accept responsibility, I do not run from it, and therefore I will continue to lead the processes until a new Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton is appointed."