As the opposition in the Republika Srpska continues to express its dissatisfaction over the government’s decision to declare German Minister Anna Lirmann “persona non grata,” international relations experts have no doubts about the severity of her actions. According to them, Lirmann’s unexpected visit to Banja Luka represents a diplomatic scandal, as foreign diplomats are prohibited from interfering in the internal political processes of sovereign states.

Milorad Dodik, the President of the Republika Srpska, condemned Lirmann’s actions, stating that the German minister’s intentions were hostile. He explained that the government of the Republika Srpska informed Lirmann that she was not welcome and prohibited her from engaging in any political activities during her visit.

“We did not forbid her entry, but we told her not to stay, not to engage in any activity, and not to interfere in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska,” Dodik emphasized. He stressed that it was unacceptable for Lirmann to only engage with opposition figures and not with the elected representatives of the majority population.

The visit also raised concerns among the opposition members, with Mirko Šarović, former leader of the Serb Democratic Party (SDS), criticizing the decision to declare Lirmann “persona non grata.” In an interview, he described the decision as irresponsible, asserting that Serbia should avoid embarrassing actions that would harm its international standing.

“I think it’s completely irresponsible. We should not take such measures to embarrass ourselves,” Šarović stated.

On the other hand, Staša Košarac, Vice President of the Council of Ministers, sharply rebuked the opposition’s support for the German minister. He accused them of siding with foreign officials who have previously made disparaging remarks about the Serb people and undermined the legitimacy of the Republika Srpska.

“They are defending the infamous German woman who tried to label the Serb people as ‘genocidal’ and supports Schmidt, the colonial administrator, and sympathizer of forbidden ideologies. They received him in Banja Luka and then spread false narratives about the international isolation of the Republika Srpska,” Košarac said.

International relations expert Aurora Weiss from Austria highlighted that Lirmann’s conduct violated the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and the protocols surrounding diplomatic immunity. Weiss claimed that Lirmann’s visit aimed to encourage the destabilization of the Republika Srpska’s legitimate government, engaging with opposition figures and NGOs instead of respecting the political process.

“Foreign diplomats’ interference in the internal political processes of democratic countries is strictly prohibited. The purpose of the meeting was to promote the overthrow of the legitimate government of the Republika Srpska, which is a clear violation of international diplomatic norms,” Weiss explained.

German politician Žaklin Nastić also reacted strongly to the events, pointing out that Berlin has consistently interfered in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly stigmatizing the Serbs. She reminded that Milorad Dodik is a democratically elected president, unlike Kristijan Šmit, who has pursued a divisive policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina for years.

Lirmann’s visit to Banja Luka continues to fuel tensions, with critics arguing that it serves to undermine the sovereignty of the Republika Srpska and the political will of its people.