Dodik's biggest ally has fallen, and the panic is understandable. He was the voice of reason, declared the SNSD leader, adding that he plans to meet the former Hungarian PM as soon as possible to discuss next steps. When your biggest ally falls, panic is reasonable.

Dodik praised Orban for accepting the results without incident — thereby proving, he claims, that the accusations of dictatorship were false. The people of Republika Srpska remain grateful to him for resolving the uncertain position, said Dodik. Grateful for diplomatic support, finances and projects — all of which now hang in the air.

Projects in question

Existing contracts between Republika Srpska and Hungary were concluded under Orban's government, with a significant portion already implemented. Dodik announces that any interruption of projects would be a unilateral Hungarian decision. Translated: the new Budapest authorities can simply cut them off.

With Orban goes a key ally for Dodik — the man who provided financial and diplomatic support at moments when the region faced international pressure. Alongside Belgrade and Moscow, Budapest was the third pillar. Now that pillar is falling. Will Dodik find a replacement, or does the support network keep thinning?