An ongoing dispute between the HDZ and the DF–partners in the coalition government of the Federation–over the appointment of directors of government-owned companies has effectively paralyzed the government, and could threaten the BiH-level coalition as well.
“We would have to turn both blind eyes to be able to say that the [Federation] government is functioning,” Federation premier Fadil Novalic said after the abortive session on Thursday.
The problem emerged during negotiations on the formation of new governments in Bosnia and involves personal animosities as well as conflicting ideological views between the HDZ and the civic-oriented Democratic Front, DF.
Both the HDZ and the [Bosniak] Party of Democratic Action, SDA, want to distribute control over key public companies among themselves and then appoint new management – which is the usual practice in Bosnia after elections.
The DF has rejected this and wants the current managements to finish their legal mandates.
