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Živko Budimir

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Živko Budimir
Budimir in 1996
9thPresident of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In office
17 March 2011 – 9 February 2015
Prime MinisterNermin Nikšić
Vice PresidentMirsad Kebo
Svetozar Pudarić
Preceded byBorjana Krišto
Succeeded byMarinko Čavara
Personal details
Born(1962-11-20)20 November 1962(age 61)
Posušje,PR Bosnia and Herzegovina,FPR Yugoslavia
Political partySKJ(1979–1984)
Croatian Party of Rights(2006–2013)
Party of Justice and Trust(2013–2021)
SpouseDarija Kuna
Children3
Alma materWar College "Ban Josip Jelačić"
AwardsOrder of Nikola Šubić Zrinski
Military service
AllegianceYugoslavia(1984–1986)
Croatia(1991–2001)
Herzeg-Bosnia(1993–1994)
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina(1994–2001)
Years of service1984–1986
1991–2001
RankFederation of Bosnia and HerzegovinaColonel General
CroatiaMajor General
UnitCroatia107th Wolves Brigade[1]
Croatia5th Falcons Brigade
Croatian Republic of Herzeg-BosniaZPTomislavgrad
CommandsCroatian Republic of Herzeg-BosniaZPProzor
Federation of Bosnia and HerzegovinaGeneral Staff of VFBiH
Federation of Bosnia and HerzegovinaGeneral Staff of HVO
Federation of Bosnia and HerzegovinaGeneral Staff of Joint Command of VFBiH
Battles/warsCroatian War of Independence
•Operation Storm
Bosnian War

Živko Budimir(Croatian pronunciation:[ʒîːʋkobûdimiːr];born 20 November 1962) is aBosnian Croatpolitician who served as the 9thPresident of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina,one of the two autonomous entities that composeBosnia and Herzegovina,from 17 March 2011 until 9 February 2015. He is the founder and current president of theParty of Justice and Trust.

Budimir became the President of the Federation after apolitical crisisfollowing the2010 general election.Political parties were unable to form a government. In March 2011, theSocial Democratic Party,Party of Democratic Action,Croatian Party of RightsandPeople's Party Work for Prosperityformed a coalition namedthe Platform(Platforma) in which Budimir was elected President of the Federation.

He was previously Colonel General in theArmy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina(VFBiH) and Major General in theCroatian Army(HV).

Early life[edit]

Budimir was born inVirnearPosušjeinHerzegovina.He attended the Aeronautical-Technical Military College in Rajlovac nearSarajevofrom where he graduated in 1981. After that, he attended the War College of Armed Forces of Republic of Croatia "Ban Josip Jelačić", and graduated in 2000.[2]

He became a member of theLeague of Communists of Yugoslaviain 1979 and left the party in 1984 as a member of theYugoslav People's Army(JNA).[2]He left the JNA in 1986 due to disagreement with their policy.

Army career[edit]

After theCroatian War of Independencestarted, Budimir joined theCroatian ArmyinSlavonia.[3]At first, he was member of the Civil Protection, and later he was enlisted to the 5th Brigade of HV where he served in the logistics. In 1992, his unit arrived inOrašjewhere Budimir became Deputy Commander of the battalion responsible for propaganda. In 1993, he became a member of theCroatian Defence Council(HVO). At first he was advisor for logistics, when he metSlobodan Praljak.Soon afterwards, Budimir was transferred to the remote control centre ofTomislavgradmilitary district. In December 1993, he replaced Praljak as commander of the remote control centre ofProzormilitary district.[4]After that, Budimir held various posts: he was Commander of General Staff of the Military of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina from April 1994 until July 1995, then Commander of the General Staff of the Croatian Defence Council from November 1995 until September 1997, and then Deputy Commander and afterwards Commander of the General Staff of the Joint Command of the Military of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina from September 1997 until January 1999. In 1997, he moved toMostar,and retired in 2001 as Colonel General of the Federal Army and a Major General of the Croatian Army. After his retirement, Budimir was involved in sports and participated in restoration of the handball club "Mostar".[2]

President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina[edit]

2011[edit]

Budimir's political career started again in 2006, when he became a member of theCroatian Party of Rights.In 2008, he was elected as a member of the City Council ofMostar.

After the2010 general election,political parties were unable to form a new government, leading the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina into apolitical crisis.TheSocial Democratic Party(SDP),Party of Democratic Action(SDA),Croatian Party of Rights(HSP BiH) andPeople's Party Work for Prosperity(NSRzB) formed a new coalition namedthe Platform(Platforma). By a majority votes in both houses of theFederal Parliament,Budimir was electedPresident of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovinaon 17 March 2011.[2]

As President of the Federation, he proposed a change of the Rules of Procedure of theFederal Governmentso that no decision can't pass without agreement of one-third of Croat ministers in the government.

Conflict with Zukan Helez[edit]

In February 2012, Budimir entered into a conflict withFederal Minister for Veterans and Disabled Veterans,Zukan Helez,because of the Audit Act of Veterans' Rights accusing Helez for historical revisionism and not taking care of veteran population. Helez claimed thatArmy of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovinadid not have camps on the territory they held and tried to abolish the status of inmates to persons who have been in ARBiH'S camps.[5]This upset the veterans from theCroatian Defence Counciland prisoners of those camps.[6]Croatian Association of Inmates from Homeland War requested Helez's dismissal and accused him for crime hiding.[7]Budimir made an appeal for review of constitutionality of Audit Act to the Constitutional Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[8]On 11 April 2012, Budimir dissolved the Audit Team for Coordination made by Helez. He did so because review procedure of veterans was running illegally and without supervision of legal representatives of the Croatian Defence Council.[9]However, on 23 May 2012, the Federal government decided to continue with the Audit Act. Local branches of the HSP asked from party's presidency to support Budimir, but both HSP ministers in the Federal Government, Ante Krajina and Vjekoslav Čamber, supported the Audit Act.[10]

During the crisis with the Audit Act, minister Helez details emphasised his activity on the HVO, a Croat military formation during theBosnian War,thus putting Croat veterans in a difficult position, and moreover, he accused Budimir of being "a false general." On 18 December 2012, the Constitutional Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina made a decision that Helez's Audit Act is, however, unconstitutional. This decision of the Constitutional Court led Helez and thePrime MinisterNermin Nikšićin a difficult position, as the Constitutional Court embarrassed Helez for being subjective.[11]

New political crisis[edit]

On 18 June 2012, theSDPmade an agreement with the opposition party, theCroatian Democratic Union(HDZ BiH) about the reconstruction of the Federal as well as the state government.[12]Marinko Čavara,Vice President of the HDZ BiH, stated that SDP and HDZ BiH support the reconstruction of the Federal Government, which includes Budimir's removal from office. However, they didn't have two thirds of members in parliament in order to impose this.[13]

On 22 June 2012, after a session of the Federal Government, Budimir accepted resignation ofDesnica Radivojevićof theParty of Democratic Actionfrom his post as Minister of Trade.[14]Later, Radivojević claimed that he never proposed his resignation.[15]During a session, SDP ministers proposed removals in the management and supervisory boards of public companies that are owned by the Federation. It is taught that this move of SDP was made because the party didn't have control of those companies, and Radivojević would give them majority so that the proposal could pass, even though Radivojević's party opposed such proposal. Radivojević himself stated that his removal is against the Constitution, while Prime Minister Nikšić (SDP), stated that Budmir abused his position as president.[16]However, on 12 July, the graphologist, prof. Esad Bilić, found that Radivojević's signature on resignation is authentic, while Radivojević's charge against Budimir was dismissed.[17]On 10 October 2012 the Constitutional Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina made a decision that Budimir's acceptance of Radivojević's resignation is legal after SDP's Prime Minister Nikšić accused Budimir for illegal doing. Nevertheless, the Court said that Budimir should once again consider Radivojveić's will and the circumstances for the resignation. Budimir later said that there is no reason for him to change his decision.[18]

The political crisis in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina started even before SDP's agreement with the HDZ BiH when SDA and SDP entered a conflict in May 2012. As a result, the Federal Parliament become ineffective whilst the Federal Government is still able to make unanimous decisions though with uncertainty and pressure. Budimir made a proposal in June and October to solve the crisis by calling a dissolution of the Federal Parliament and a new election.[19]

On 5 November 2012, at the session of the HSP BiH of theHerzegovina-Neretva Canton,Budimir said that the HSP BiH will not leave the government until HSP BiH's goals are accomplished, namely a law on lustration and implementing inability to outvote Croat ministers in the government.[20]

On 10 December, Nikšić made a request to Budimir to dismiss eight federal ministers, including the deputy prime minister. Those ministers were members of the Party of Democratic Action, the People's Party Work for Betterment and the Croatian Party of Rights. Nikšić explained his move by claiming that certain ministers do not have support in theFederal Parliamentand that their presence in thegovernmentwas damaging its function. However, Budimir decided to listen arguments of the 8 ministers, and meanwhile the Deputy Prime Minister Jerko Ivanković-Lijanović that was supposed to be removed from the office, complained to the Constitutional Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina that Nikšić illegally proposed voting in the Federal Parliament for the 2013 budget. Due to this reason, on 20 December, Budimir decided not to remove the 8 ministers from their posts.[21]

On 27 December, he made a decision to withdraw the decision on resignation of Desnica Radivojević. Budimir reassessed his decision as he was advised by the Federal Constitutional Court. In the official statement from his office, it was said that Budimir made this decision in the interest of theBosnia and Herzegovinacitizens and to secure normal functioning of the Federal Government.[22]

On 27 February 2013, Budimir was awarded with an honorary doctorate of public administration by theSun Moon UniversityinSouth Korea.He was awarded for his contribution in promotion of world peace.[23]

On 7 March 2013, Budimir announced on a press-conference that he left the HSP BiH due to lack of support during his conflict with minister for veterans and disabled veterans Zukan Helez. He said that he would form a new political party that would be named "Party of Justice and Trust".[24]

On 26 April 2013, he was arrested under accusation that he was part of corrupt activities in Bosnia and Hercegovina. Together with his adviser Hidajet Halilović, at the time head of the entity's amnesty commission, they were charged for taking bribes to approve amnesties.[25]Both were released on 24 May 2013 since there were no evidence of them being guilty.

Political ideas[edit]

Budimir advocates the creation of thePosavinadistrict which would, according to Budimir, bring political, economical and social stability into the region. Also, the creation of the Posavina district would, as he thinks, help in return of refugees.[26]

In January 2012, Budimir met withHigh Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina,Valentin Inzko,and stated that the two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federation andRepublika Srpskaneed to cooperate closer and both Inzko and Budimir agreed that the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to be reorganized, especially in reducing its administration so as to gain economic stability.[27]

Personal life[edit]

Budimir is married to Darija Kuna. They have three children: a daughter, Lucija, and two sons, Luka and Borna.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^"Predsjednik na obilježavanju operacije" Baranja ""(in Croatian).President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Archivedfrom the original on 4 May 2012.Retrieved22 April2012.
  2. ^abcde"Životopis"(in Croatian).President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Archivedfrom the original on 19 April 2012.Retrieved22 April2012.
  3. ^Soldić-Arar, Zdravka (13 July 2010)."Generalima HVO-a Obradoviću i Budimiru iz proračuna RH za mirovine 210.000 kuna".Slobodna Dalmacija(in Croatian).Archivedfrom the original on 25 November 2012.Retrieved1 March2012.
  4. ^Budimir, Živko."Testimony of Živko Budimir"(PDF).General Slobodan Praljak.Retrieved22 April2012.
  5. ^Karačić, Marko (7 January 2012)."Zukan Helez Hrvatima ukida status logoraša".Večernji list(in Croatian).Archivedfrom the original on 11 January 2012.Retrieved22 April2012.
  6. ^Čilić, Zvonimir (14 March 2012)."Cilj revizije je slom Hrvata i njihov odlazak iz BiH".Večernji list(in Croatian).Archivedfrom the original on 27 April 2012.Retrieved22 April2012.
  7. ^Karačić, Marko (21 January 2012)."Logoraši optužili Heleza za skrivanje zločinaca i traže ostavku".Večernji list(in Croatian).Archivedfrom the original on 23 April 2012.Retrieved22 April2012.
  8. ^"Budmiri: Helez nema isti odnos prema Armiji i HVO-u".Republika(in Croatian). 24 February 2012.Archivedfrom the original on 18 April 2012.Retrieved1 March2012.
  9. ^"Budimir razriješio Revizorski tim za koordinaciju"(in Croatian). Hrvatska riječ. 12 April 2012.Archivedfrom the original on 26 June 2012.Retrieved21 April2012.
  10. ^Jurilj, Zdenko (24 May 2012)."Budimir u zahtjevima da se revizija branitelja obustavi ostao usamljen"(in Croatian).Večernji list.Archivedfrom the original on 25 August 2012.Retrieved24 May2012.
  11. ^Zorić, D. (18 December 2012)."Budimir uništio ministra Heleza i doveo Nikšića u bezizlaznu situaciju"(in Croatian).Retrieved20 December2012.
  12. ^"Podržan dogovor SDP BiH i HDZ BiH o budućoj saradnji dvije stranke"(in Bosnian).Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina.18 June 2012.Retrieved21 October2012.
  13. ^Pušić, Dario (18 June 2012)."Marinko Čavara: Budimir treba sam podnijeti ostavku"(in Croatian).Dnevni list.Archivedfrom the original on 15 January 2013.Retrieved24 June2012.
  14. ^Đurović-Rukavina Mimi (22 June 2012)."Budimir prihvatio ostavku Desnice Radivojevića".Oslobođenje(in Bosnian).Retrieved25 June2012.
  15. ^"Nikšić pisao Budimiru u vezi navodne ostavke ministra Radivojevića".Dnevni avaz(in Bosnian). 22 June 2012.Retrieved25 June2012.
  16. ^Šaganović-Bjelica, Sanja; Pušić, Dario (23 June 2012)."'Puklo' i u vladi; Budimir: Smijenio sam Radivojevića; Radvivojević: Moja ostavka ne postoji, prekršen je Ustav; Nikšić: Budimir zlouporabio položaj "(in Croatian).Dnevni list.Retrieved23 June2012.
  17. ^"Sudski vještak potvrdio autentičnost Radivojevićevog potpisa"(in Croatian). Klix. 12 July 2012.Retrieved12 July2012.
  18. ^"Ustavni sud: Budimir mora preispitati odluku; Budimir: Nema razloga da povučem odluku".Dnevni List(in Croatian). 10 October 2012.Retrieved21 October2012.
  19. ^"Politička kriza drma Federaciju: Budimir raspušta parlament?".Dnevni list(in Croatian). 17 October 2012.Retrieved21 October2012.
  20. ^Pušić, Dario (5 November 2012)."Bez sprječavanja preglasavanja i lustracije HSP ne izlazi iz vlasti".Dnevni list(in Croatian).Retrieved5 November2012.
  21. ^"Budimir ne prihvaća Nikšićev zahtjev za smjenu osam ministara".Večernji list(in Croatian). 20 December 2012.Retrieved20 December2012.
  22. ^"Poništena odluka o ostavci Desnice Radivojevića".Večernji list(in Croatian). 27 December 2012.Retrieved27 December2012.
  23. ^"Predsjedniku Budimiru dodijeljena titula počasnog Doktora javne administracije"(in Croatian).President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.27 February 2012.Retrieved27 February2012.
  24. ^"Živko Budimir napustio HSP!".Večernji list(in Croatian). 7 March 2013.Retrieved7 March2013.
  25. ^Bosnia Arrests Federation President Zivko Budimir.balkaninsight. 26 April 2013
  26. ^"Hrvata u RS više gotovo i nema, a u Federaciji nisu ravnopravan narod"(in Croatian). Hrvatska riječ. 30 November 2011.Retrieved21 April2012.
  27. ^"Budimir i Inzko suglasni da treba smanjiti administraciju u Federaciji BiH"(in Croatian). Hrvatska riječ. 18 January 2012.Retrieved21 April2012.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Živko_Budimir&oldid=1223744748"