Schmidt is leaving, and the Balkans are buzzing about his successor: One candidate particularly surprised with statements about Serbia
After Christian Schmidt's departure, two candidates have emerged for the position of High Representative in BiH, and one of them has previously spoken about Serbia and its role in Europe.
TL;DR
- Christian Schmidt is leaving his position as High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina after five years.
- Republika Srpska authorities, who never recognized Schmidt, view his departure as a political victory and plan to review his decisions.
- Two potential candidates for the role are Italian diplomat Antonio Zanardi Landi and British envoy Karen Pierce.
- Antonio Zanardi Landi has previously expressed positive views on Serbia's role in Europe.
- The appointment of a new High Representative may occur without formal UN Security Council confirmation, mirroring Schmidt's controversial appointment.
- Schmidt's departure opens a new political struggle for influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.