Milorad Dodik and Drasko Stanivukovic used to open projects together and speak of "cooperation and synergy." Today they hurl insults at each other on social media like high schoolers after a breakup. Former allies, now enemies - a classic Balkan political love story.

Stanivukovic drew first: he called Dodik a "spent gambler" who has been "gambling with the fate of Republika Srpska and its people for 20 years." In a series of posts, the Banja Luka mayor raised questions about unfinished projects and the systematic destruction of public enterprises: "Wherever Dodik buried the shovel, lies remained."

Counterattack without brakes

Dodik fired back with heavy artillery: "He's an ordinary poser and show-off, a liar and freeloader." He accused him of corruption, improper budget spending, and personal enrichment. He posted Stanivukovic's photo with the message: "Recognize this grin?" - alluding to an unfulfilled promise of a city hospital.

Stanivukovic replied: "Looks like we'll have to ban social media for older people too, not just kids under 15." An effective counter-punch - but nothing more than another chapter in the endless series.

Analysts warn the conflict has deeper dimensions - a battle for control of Republika Srpska's largest city and future political leadership. "The line between love and hate is thin if you reach a point where you want to become bigger than Dodik," says analyst Tanja Topic.

Before elections, every Balkan politician gets a new enemy. Usually the very one they were hugging yesterday.