BELGRADE - An extraordinary session of the Serbian Parliament dedicated to the crisis of Kosovo, which opened with President Aleksandar Vucic, degenerated in turmoil and incidents. Tension rose progressively in the chamber after the opening of debate and the first critical speeches by lawmakers of the nationalist opposition who held banners accusing Vucic of 'capitulation' in front of the West and 'betrayal' and of accepting Pristina's independence with the European plan.
Vucic, seated under the speaker, replied at length to the allegations, accusing in turn opposition forces of being responsible, when they were in government in the past, of favouring secession from Pristina. Amid screams and chants, a few dozens opposition lawmakers tried to get near the president, with a menacing tone. "You are just hooligans who brought this country to ruin", screamed the president, applauded by his majority coalition. Previously, Vucic replied to observations made by opposition members asking to know the details of the European plan, saying that he had not come to parliament to illustrate the plan and ask for a vote in favour or against that text, but to illustrate the difficult situation currently experienced by Serbia and the heavy consequences for the country if such a document is refused.
"The opposition doesn't have valid arguments and creates incidents showing the true nature of the country's enemy", said Vucic amid confusion. After about 10 minutes of high tension, calm returned and the debate on Kosovo could continue.
