Branko Blanuša proposes new citizen protection office in Republika Srpska

Branko Blanuša, leader of the Serbian Democratic Party (SDS), has responded to criticisms from Milorad Dodik, president of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), regarding the status of human rights institutions. Blanuša clarified that the Ombudsman of Republika Srpska was abolished by law in 2009, and its responsibilities were transferred to the Institution of the Ombudsman for Human Rights of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Blanuša reported that citizens have expressed concerns regarding political favoritism in employment, inspections targeting non-aligned employers, and the departure of families and youth from Republika Srpska. In response, he proposed the establishment of a specialized Office for the Protection of Citizens' Interests within the Service of the President of Republika Srpska.

This proposed office would act as a final line of defense for citizens, receiving and tracking complaints to ensure they are directed to the correct institutions and followed up on. The office would not replace existing judicial or police bodies but would allow the president to use constitutional powers to address recurring systemic issues, propose legislative changes, or initiate actions against the government based on documented citizen grievances.