Serbian Lawmakers Fight Each Other, Opposition Shouts 'Killer' Minister

ILLUSTRATION/PHOTO via X @SerbianGov

JAKARTA - The fight broke out in Serbian parliament after opposition legislators waved banners accusing the ruling coalition of neglecting responsibility for the collapse of the train station's roof that killed 15 people earlier this month.

Radomir Lazovic of opposition party Front Kiri-Hijau posted a red-handed image with the words 'Your hand is covered in blood', according to video footage from television station N1.

As reported by Reuters on Monday, November 25, Health Minister Zatibor Loncar approached him and began arguing.

The other deputies rushed to the front of the speaker stage shouting, pulling and hitting each other.

Opposition deputies shouted: "Killer, killer".

Several people held a photo of President Aleksandar Vucic with his red hands raised and a sign that read: "No one is to blame".

The disaster at the newly renovated train station at Novi Sad has become a long-term political illness for Vucic and his ruling party, which the opposition has hurt.

Many citizens are accused of nepotism and corruption - accusations denied by politicians

Twelve people, including a former minister, were arrested for an incident last week, but the move failed to ease pressure.

The opposition said authorities had waited too long to take action against the alleged perpetrators.

Parliament is scheduled to discuss the 2025 budget on Monday, but the opposition is demanding a debate over the disaster.

They also filed a motion of not believing in the government, although the chairman of parliament, AnaBRacic, said it would not be included on Monday's agenda.

The opposition called on Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who served as Mayor of Novi Sad when construction began, to resign.

The ruling coalition has denied the allegations and accused the opposition of fueling clashes with police in protests at the station.

Political tensions are rising in Serbia, which does not follow EU foreign policy towards Russia even though the country has a desire to become a member of the EU.