I will not betray the people and I will not step back as long as I have their support,” declared Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, in response to what he describes as an escalating political and media campaign against him by Bosniak political elites in Sarajevo.

Dodik emphasized that while the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) delivers daily “warmongering messages,” Republika Srpska remains committed to the Dayton Peace Agreement, insisting on institutional defense of its constitutional rights rather than any form of conflict.

Commenting on statements made by the Foreign Minister in the Council of Ministers, Elmedin Konaković, Dodik accused him of “destroying constitutional Bosnia and Herzegovina” and representing exclusively Bosniak views. “Every Muslim who undermines unity in Bosnia-Herzegovina by disrupting the decision-making process is, in fact, destroying Bosnia-Herzegovina,” Dodik said.

He went further, stating:

“Apparently, the Muslims of Sarajevo have formed a ‘Ministry for Dodik.’ There’s not a single one who doesn’t speak out against me. They’ve turned me into the embodiment of a bad story—and now they’re attacking that story.”

According to Dodik, the institutions of Republika Srpska are operating strictly within legal boundaries and not influenced by what he calls the “so-called spirit of Dayton” promoted by Sarajevo’s political class through what he describes as an illegal and politically motivated Constitutional Court.

On international matters, Dodik linked the sanctions imposed by Germany and Austria to increasing support for right-wing parties such as the AfD in Germany and the Freedom Party in Austria, both of which have recently expressed support for Republika Srpska’s officials.

“The problem isn’t Dodik,” he said, “the problem is that the AfD invited our officials to speak in the Bundestag, and once they saw they couldn’t avoid us, they sanctioned me, Stevandić, and Višković.”

Dodik reaffirmed that he represents Republika Srpska in accordance with the Constitution:

“If you attack the president—whoever it may be—you’re attacking Republika Srpska. I won’t be president forever, but I intend to continue, because I have the support of the people.”

Citing recent polling, Dodik stated that 62% of citizens trust him, underscoring his claim of public legitimacy.

He also addressed political dynamics within the Council of Ministers, stating that Nebojša Vukanović, leader of the Justice and Order list, will not be appointed Minister of Security due to lack of support from SDS and PDP representatives.

In response to criticism from Jelena Trivić, leader of the People’s Front, about the Republika Srpska’s economic indicators, Dodik pointed out that in the previous year the entity had a budget deficit of just 0.42%, with a total debt of 34%. He also noted that public debt has decreased from 32% to 30% over the past three months, calling it a sign of sound fiscal management.

As tensions continue between the country’s entities, Dodik’s firm stance signals no retreat from Republika Srpska’s push for stronger autonomy and institutional control, all while accusing Sarajevo’s political elite of undermining constitutional order and fostering instability.