Branko Blanuša meeting footage sparks controversy in Republika Srpska

Footage has surfaced showing SDS presidential candidate Branko Blanuša meeting with SNSD organizational secretary Igor Dodik, sparking controversy within the opposition in Republika Srpska.

Blanuša explained that the meeting, which took place in early July, was intended to discuss the impact of US sanctions on the SDS, which have resulted in the party being unable to access its legally mandated budget funds. He characterized the release of the video as a political attempt by the ruling authorities to create a scandal just days before the election.

The footage has drawn criticism from within the opposition. Ljubiša Petrović, the Mayor of Bijeljina and an SDS member, demanded a full explanation, noting that the party membership was not informed of the meeting. Jelena Trivić, president of the Narodni front, dismissed the video as a “regime trick” designed to portray Blanuša in a negative light.