Today High Representative Paddy Ashdown signed the Decision on removing the Central Bosnia Canton Education Minister Nikola Lovrinovic. The Decision bars Mr. Lovrinovic from holding any official, elective or appointive public office and from running in elections unless or until such time as the High Representative may expressly authorize him to do so.
Minister Lovrinovic has failed to take action to implement Laws on Primary and Secondary Education and as a result has undermined the rule of law. The failure to implement these Laws, one year after they have been introduced, clearly shows Mr. Lovrinovic’s disregard for the benefit of students and teachers. Assets obtained through cutting costs by eliminating double administration could be used for improving working conditions for both students and teachers. Continuing defiance of the laws and his transparent attempts to obstruct its application for another school year could not be tolerated.
By continiously obstructing to implement the Laws Mr. Lovrinovic has failed the duties of his office.
He openly subordinated the interests of the cantonal government to his own political objectives. He has acted as if it was up to him to decide whether to follow the law or not. As a result, Mr. Lovrinovic has inflicted considerable damage on the dignity and independence of his office.
The High Representative’s Decision is effective immediately. According to the Decision any entitlement to receive remuneration or any form of post-removal compensation, excepting vested pension, or to any privileges or status arising out of his post as a minister ceases forthwith.