US Embassy raises concerns over political independence in controversial auditor appointments in FBiH

The embassy's concern stems from media reports suggesting that the nominated candidates lack the necessary political independence and appropriate qualifications for these roles.

“We are concerned about numerous media reports questioning the political independence and qualifications of the proposed candidates for the position of Auditor General and Deputy Auditor General of the Federation of BiH,” the U.S. Embassy stated in its release.

The embassy also reminded that the Law on Auditing in FBiH explicitly requires the Audit Office to be “non-political and must not support nor be associated with any political party.”

Appointments spark criticism

Last week, the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament appointed Mirza Kudic as chief auditor and Nina Dzidic as his deputy, with 51 representatives voting in favor, three abstaining, and 17 voting against. FBiH President Lidija Bradara proposed Kudic and Dzidic for these positions.

The portal Hercegovina.info previously reported that Nina Dzidic is the daughter of Branko Kolobaric, a close friend and longtime associate of HDZ BiH leader Dragan Covic. The report notes that Kolobaric and Covic once worked together at the Mostar-based industrial conglomerate “Soko,” further fueling suspicions of political bias in the appointments.