The President of the Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, has strongly criticized the visit of the German Minister for Europe and Climate, Anna Lirmann, to Banja Luka, claiming that her arrival was aimed at undermining the Republika Srpska further and interfering with the internal affairs of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. According to Dodik, the government of the Republika Srpska made it clear to Lirmann that she was not welcome and could travel through the Republika Srpska, but not engage in any activities.

“Their intentions are bad,” Dodik stated in a public address in Banja Luka. “At least as far as the current German government is concerned, which will soon be leaving. This minister is part of the outgoing Green government, which can be compared to Hitler’s fascists regarding their attitude towards us,” Dodik added, heavily criticizing the German administration.

He explained that the authorities of the Republika Srpska only became aware of Lirmann’s visit when the opposition publicly discussed it, prompting a reaction from the government. “We didn’t ban her from entering, but we told her she wasn’t welcome. We kindly told her not to linger, not to carry out any activities, and not to interfere in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina or the Republika Srpska,” Dodik said.

Dodik emphasized that Lirmann was interfering by speaking only with the opposition and not with those representing the majority of the population in the Republika Srpska. “What is this if not interference?” he asked, accusing Lirmann of trying to undermine the Republika Srpska with her actions, which Dodik dismissed as “old tricks” from a declining Green party in Europe. According to Dodik, Lirmann came to Banja Luka simply to “make a living” before she left her post.

Dodik also commented on the local police’s handling of the situation, stating that they followed protocols and ensured that Lirmann left the Republika Srpska without any problems. “The police used the proper protocols to escort her out of the Republika Srpska. She packed her bags and left, and there was no issue,” he said.

Regarding the sanctions that prevent him from entering Germany, as well as those affecting the President of the Parliament Nenad Stevandić and the Prime Minister of the Republika Srpska Radovan Višković, Dodik stated that he was not concerned about these restrictions. “The Austrians know that we support the country’s largest political party, the Freedom Party, and they support us,” said Dodik, who is also the leader of the SNSD (Alliance of Independent Social Democrats).

He also posed a provocative question: “How can other political parties come here and support the opposition, when others are prohibited from going to Austria to support their opposition?” This, according to Dodik, exposes the hypocrisy of those who criticize the Republika Srpska while ignoring the same international standards they try to impose.

In conclusion, Milorad Dodik reaffirmed the Republika Srpska’s stance on defending its independence and sovereignty against external interference and accused the German government and its internal allies of working to destabilize the Republic of Srpska.