Constitutional Court halts Republika Srpska lobbying payments

The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has ruled that lobbying contracts entered into by the Government of Republika Srpska are unconstitutional. The court ordered the suspension of payments to lobbying firms, specifically citing contracts where the stated objective was the “independence of Republika Srpska,” a goal deemed incompatible with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. One such contract involved the firm Dickens and Madson Canada Inc.

Milorad Dodik, leader of the SNSD, criticized the ruling as a “Sarajevo assault,” arguing that the court is attempting to dictate how the entity spends its funds.

Legal analysts have noted that this decision follows a period of significant tension, including the 2023 amendments to the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the implementation of laws regarding the non-application of Constitutional Court decisions. These legal disputes involve the authority of the High Representative and the constitutional standing of Republika Srpska within the state.