Political Turmoil Erupts in Serbian Parliament Over Train Station Tragedy
Scuffles erupted in the Serbian parliament on Monday as opposition lawmakers accused the ruling coalition of evading responsibility for the collapse of a train station roof that resulted in the tragic deaths of 15 individuals earlier this month.
Opposition’s Accusations
- Radomir Lazovic of the opposition Green-Left Front party boldly displayed a banner with a red hand and the message ‘you have blood on your hands’ on the speaker’s platform, inciting tension.
- Health Minister Zatibor Loncar engaged in a heated argument with Lazovic, escalating the situation further.
- Opposition deputies vocally accused the ruling coalition of being “killers” and held up pictures of President Aleksandar Vucic with red hands, insinuating complicity.
Political Fallout
The tragedy at the revamped train station in Novi Sad has become a persistent political dilemma for Vucic and his party, with allegations of nepotism and corruption intensifying.
- Despite the arrest of twelve individuals, including a former minister, the opposition remains unsatisfied, claiming authorities delayed action against potential wrongdoers.
- Pressure mounted as the opposition pushed for a debate on the disaster during the budget session and filed a no-confidence motion against the government.
Call for Resignation
The opposition demands the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who oversaw the construction as mayor of Novi Sad, while the ruling coalition refutes allegations and accuses the opposition of instigating clashes during protests.
Heightened Political Tensions
Amidst the turmoil, Serbia’s political climate remains strained, diverging from EU foreign policy towards Russia despite aspirations for EU membership.
(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; editing Philippa Fletcher)
Conclusion
The clashes and accusations in the Serbian parliament reflect deep-seated political divisions and public outrage over the tragic train station collapse. As tensions escalate, the demands for accountability and transparency grow louder, shaping the country’s political landscape.
FAQs
1. What sparked the scuffles in the Serbian parliament?
The scuffles erupted after opposition lawmakers accused the ruling coalition of evading responsibility for the train station roof collapse that resulted in 15 deaths.
2. What are the main allegations against the ruling coalition?
The opposition and many citizens accuse the ruling coalition of nepotism and corruption in relation to the disaster, which the politicians deny.
3. How has the political fallout affected Serbia’s political climate?
The tragedy has intensified political tensions in Serbia, with calls for resignations and motions of no-confidence, highlighting the country’s internal strife.