KALINIĆ: IMPORTANCE AND PRESTIGE OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MUST BE PRESERVED

BANJA LUKA, October 23 /SRNA/ - Former President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska Dragan Kalinić has stressed that the highest legislative institution is a reflection of political life and the struggle for the independence and prosperity of Republika Srpska, and that its importance and prestige must therefore be preserved.

"There is no more important institution in Republika Srpska than the National Assembly, which is why its authority and significance must be fully respected," Kalinić said on the podcast of the Republika Srpska Media System - SRNA, marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska. FAMOUS PARLIAMENTARY GAVEL - MODELLED ON BRITISH PARLIAMENT Kalinić stressed that, during his tenure as President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, he had sought to improve and modernize its work. He recalled that a delegation from the National Assembly of Republika Srpska had once visited the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which he described as an embodiment of parliamentary and democratic life. "I saw that they used a gavel in the work of their highest legislative institution to open and close sessions and calm heated debates. That is why I decided we should introduce the same practice here. The use of the gavel came as a surprise in our Assembly, but it also became one of those anecdotes that people still remember today, which makes me happy," Kalinić said. He noted that he first used the famous parliamentary gavel when the late Biljana Plavšić was inaugurated as President of Republika Srpska. "At that time, I used the famous gavel when announcing her arrival at the rostrum and after she had finished her speech. Other parliaments use a gavel as well. It is a symbol demonstrating that the Speaker of the Assembly is not merely an ordinary moderator, but represents an institution that must be respected," Kalinić stressed. MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT SHOULD LISTEN TO PEOPLE MORE He noted that the National Assembly of Republika Srpska had revised its Rules of Procedure several times and that, in his assessment, they contained a number of positive provisions. "It is important that the work of the National Assembly meets the standards of modern parliaments in Europe. Parliamentary committees function flawlessly. This speaks volumes about the strength of the highest legislative institution," Kalinić said. Despite these positive aspects, Kalinić believes that members of Parliament must pay closer attention to what the people are telling them and, on that basis, adopt a different style of speaking and conduct in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska. "The current parliamentary convocation has functioned well, which is why I believe the next one will be even better, with more tolerant debates aimed at respecting the will of the people and serving the interests of Republika Srpska," Kalinić stressed.