U sklopu takozvanih "bonskih ovlaštenja" koja su mu data na osnovu Dejtonskog mirovnog sporazuma, visoki predstavnik ima široke ovlasti za nametanje zakona i smjenjivanje javnih zvaničnika.
Under the so-called "Bonn Powers" delegated as part of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the High Representative has broad powers to impose legislation and sack public officials.