prijava
SARAJEVO, April 5 (FENA) - Politicians have no option but to set aside their differences and work together. It is not possible to fight the virus and preserve the economy while pursuing incompatible ideologies and positions, and failing to coordinate, said the High Representative in BiH Valentin Inzko.
Inzko addressed the BiH citizens with video op-ed and stressed that now is not the time for populism, but for expertise and facts.
“This crisis should remind us that we are all interconnected. We are all sharing a common experience, and we will get through it together. Ultimately, everything will be fine,” said Inzko.
He emphasized that it is true that exceptional situation justifies extraordinary measures, but they should not exceed what the situation calls for. Also, they should only last as long as the crisis endures.
The High Representative stated that authorities have to make sure that all the measures they undertake are transparent, balanced and proportional, and in line with the constitutional framework.
“That is how once all of this is behind us, our lives, freedoms and societies will not suffer long term impacts. The rule of law must be the guiding principle, even in a state of emergency. Citizens must be assured that their human rights and fundamental freedoms, as guaranteed by the BiH Constitution, will remain intact,” Inzko stated.
He added that the way we behave and act today, all of us, will influence how we live when the crisis is over. Today we must trust the system we have, including the authorities and the experts, who are doing their best to fight the virus.
“However, we can also continue to demand better,” stated the High Representative.
A government has a responsibility to lead. This means taking public opinion into account but also being fearless in making unpopular, but correct and informed decisions. Government policies must be judged based on objective criteria, on expertise and science.
“And more than ever, there is a need for functional authorities. Political opposition has the responsibility to oversee government policies, to criticize as necessary, to propose alternative solutions, but also to support whatever is constructive. In times of crisis, there can be no opposition to good solutions. There must be unity,” considers Inzko.
There is logic behind orders and measures, a formula to prioritize lives over the economy, but also to safeguard economies as much as possible. In fact, it is a necessary measure to prevent us from becoming truly helpless and surrendering.
In these trying times, good old neighborhood and neighborly help should not be forgotten, it should be cherished.
He stressed that in his 71 years of diplomatic career and living in many different places on three continents, he has never seen anything similar to the current health crisis.
(FENA) A. B.
