Last week, ALDE Party member Naša Stranka made history and elected Sabina Ćudić as its new President, the first woman to take on the role.
Ćudić’s election as the new leader comes at a critical juncture in the political sphere, with Nasa Stranka now represented at all levels of government in the country and ahead of national elections scheduled in October 2026.
An alumna of the Alliance of Her and winner of the inaugural Women in Politics Champion award, her dedication to upholding progressive civic politics and the fight for rule of law and equality will be a guiding light for the party to face the challenges ahead.
Following her election, she thanked delegates for their trust and outlined priorities for the future:
"Our party remains consistent with its principles: the fight for a just society, for the equality of all citizens, regardless of ethnic or social affiliation. I believe in the power of politics that does not accept blackmail, politics that builds institutions, not leaders.
“In parallel, we continue to strengthen the international presence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have shown that our vision of Bosnia and Herzegovina has partners throughout Europe and the world. Our fight for democracy and the rule of law is recognised and supported by relevant international actors.”
She has also been the party’s Vice-President and President of the Main Board and is a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe – the first Bosnian liberal politician in the role – where she is also Vice-President of the ALDE group and rapporteur for Georgia.
Delegates also thanked outgoing leader Edin Forto, who shared remarks:
"I am proud of what we have achieved in the past four years, the stabilisation of the party, its growth and key role at all levels of government. It is time for new leadership that will bring new energy and ideas. Sabina Ćudić is a proven leader, dedicated to the values that make Our Party different. She has my full support.”
ALDE Party Vice-President Lucia Plaváková addressed delegates at the Congress in a video message, showcasing her admiration for Sabina’s leadership capabilities:
“Naša stranka is a truly active and engaged member of our European liberal family. In today’s world, it is more important than ever to use all our resources and networks to stand up against anti-democratic forces across Europe.
I greatly admire the work Sabina is doing in PACE, and I feel honoured to be her colleague. I am confident that she will do an excellent job as the new leader of your party. I’m not afraid to say that Europe – and our society as a whole – needs strong, passionately engaged, and professional female leaders like her.”
ALDE Party Senior Political Adviser Andrew Burgess also addressed the Congress:
“Today, Naša Stranka is present at every level of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is an incredible achievement – the result of hard work, patience, and courage. As the party moves into a new chapter under Sabina’s leadership, I am full of confidence.
Her speeches are what I call popcorn moments – she speaks truth to power and cuts through with her words in a way that so few can today. She also inspires so many women across our political family – recognised as the very first winner of the Alliance of Her “Women in Politics Champion of the Year” award.”
Source: Naša Stranka