Serbian president avoids disaster as limo wheel detaches
A wheel came off Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's limousine. Nobody was hurt, but it was decided to increase the level of protection for the head of state. Media speculated about possible sabotage, and Vučić suggested that many people were delighted by the incident.
The incident happened on the way to Mokrin. In a recording shared on social media, the presidential limousine is seen driving in the middle of a narrow road when, at a certain moment, a wheel comes off. The car skids slightly before coming to a stop. President Aleksandar Vučić, who was in the vehicle, transferred to another car.
According to Serbian media, the limousine is an armored vehicle specially designed for transporting high-ranking officials. It is not yet known how the incident occurred.
"Our tire burst while we were driving. Many people almost got lucky," joked Vučić later at a party rally in Kikinda.
"Whether the tire burst, exploded, or God knows what else, the relevant authorities are determining and will determine," he said.
The matter is being investigated by the services. Additionally, the Cobra special forces, responsible for the president's safety, decided to increase the level of protection to the highest possible level.
Politicians and media speculate about sabotage
Speculation has begun in the Serbian media about whether the entire incident was indeed caused by sabotage. Politicians are also adding fuel to the fire. The President of the Republika Srpska (an administrative part of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Milorad Dodik, after a phone conversation with Vučić, stated that the incident was caused by a "foreign factor."
"In such a situation, one thinks that there are forces that might want to resolve the situation in this way and that this is part of what is ultimately a continuation of what some might call a colorful revolution," said Dodik.
Meanwhile, Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin claims that a few days ago, a "high-ranking official of a powerful Western state" warned Vučić that his life was in danger.
Serbian politicians regularly blame "foreign forces" for meddling in internal politics, similar to what Moscow does. Recently, these accusations have intensified after a wave of protests swept through the country. Demonstrators are demanding explanations for the causes of a construction disaster in Novi Sad. In response, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević resigned, but this did not calm the demonstrations.
