The SDA, HDZ, DF, and smaller parties finally agreed on the make-up of both the Federation government and the BiH Council of Ministers just before their deadline of midnight on the night of the 31st. The Federation parliament also passed its 2015 budget at the last minute last night. The finalization of the government and Council of Ministers comes after six months of bickering among the coalition parties.
Administrative problems, procedural shortcomings and political squabbling had blocked the formation of new governments on different levels for a full half year after general elections last October.
Although Bosniak, Croatian and Serbian parties agreed a ruling coalition at state level and in the Federation entity by December, they needed three more months to work out the share of key posts at different levels….
While appointment of new governments and the adoption of the Federation budget have averted an immediate crisis, queations remain about the ability of the new governments to deliver the tough and unpopular reform agenda that confronts the country.
“What can we expected from them when difficult reforms start, if they needed half a year only to form new governments,” one disgruntled EU official told Balkan Insight.
EU officials issued a statement acknowledging the government formations, and urging the new BiH authorities to take “concrete steps” on the path of EU membership.
