Bosnia's Serb Republic appoints interim president after Dodik's removal

The Parliament of the Serb Republic has appointed an acting president after Milorad Dodik was barred from political activity, Reuters reports.

On October 18, Ana Trisic Babic, a close ally of Dodik, was named acting head of the autonomous region. She will serve until elections scheduled for November 23.

The appointment marks the first official recognition of Dodik’s removal, following a court ruling that prohibited him from engaging in politics. On the same day, the parliament repealed several laws passed over the past year.

Despite the parliamentary decision, Dodik stated that the Serb Republic’s political course will not change, emphasising that secession remains his ultimate goal.

Dodik, a pro-Russian nationalist who wants the Serb Republic to secede and join Serbia, had so far refused to step down and continued to perform duties and travel abroad in the capacity of president. He is appealing the state court's verdict at the constitutional court.

By Khagan Isayev