Serbian president's wheel mishap sparks sabotage theories
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 outlets are speculating about possible sabotage, and Vučić suggested that many people were amused by the incident.
The mishap occurred on the way to Mokrin. In a recording shared on social media, the presidential limousine is seen driving along the middle of a narrow road, when suddenly a wheel comes off. The car skids slightly before coming to a stop. President Vučić, who was in the vehicle, transferred to another car.
According to Serbian media, the limousine is an armoured vehicle specially designed for transporting high-ranking officials. It is not yet known how the incident occurred.
"Our tyre burst while we were driving. Many people almost got lucky," Vučić joked later at a party rally in Kikinda.
"Whether the tyre burst, exploded, or something else entirely, the relevant authorities are looking into it and will ascertain the cause," he said.
The matter is being investigated by the authorities. Additionally, the Cobra special forces, responsible for the president's safety, have 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 a result of sabotage. Politicians are also fuelling the discussion. Milorad Dodik, President of the Republika Srpska (an administrative region of Bosnia and Herzegovina), mentioned after a phone conversation with Vučić that the incident was caused by a "foreign factor."
"In such a situation, one might think that there are forces wishing to handle the situation in this manner, and that this is part of what some might refer to as a colourful 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 frequently blame "foreign forces" for interfering in internal politics, akin to what Moscow often does. Recently, these accusations have intensified following a wave of protests throughout 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 protests.
