Clash in Republika Srpska Assembly: Opposition MP Nebojsa Vukanovic ejected after heated exchange

The incident occurred during a debate on the work of the Republika Srpska Attorney’s Office, after Stevandic announced that the session would be shortened due to the Catholic Christmas Eve and the upcoming Christmas holiday. He added that the assembly would not reconvene until February.

The announcement prompted a sharp reaction from Vukanovic, leader of the Justice and Order List, who claimed that the real reason for halting the session had nothing to do with religious holidays. Instead, he argued, the move was aimed at avoiding debate on a negative audit report on the City of Banja Luka for 2023. Vukanovic directly accused Stevandic of attempting to politically shield Banja Luka Mayor Drasko Stanivukovic.

“You’re doing this to protect Stanivukovic… What you’re doing will only sink him further,” Vukanovic shouted. “Who gave you the right to stop today’s debate so we don’t talk about the City of Banja Luka?”

Stevandic responded by invoking the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure. Citing Article 162, he ordered Vukanovic’s removal from the session.

“Mr. Vukanovic is removed. The suspension of the session has nothing to do with Stanivukovic, but with Catholic Christmas,” Stevandic said. “Out you go. You’re expelled, you’re removed.”

As Vukanovic continued to protest, asking the Assembly leadership, “Do you have any honour?” and “Was this agreed in advance?”, Stevandic instructed parliamentary security to intervene. In doing so, he made a remark that drew particular attention and outrage.

“Come on, take this nervous breakdown outside - the psychiatry is nearby,” Stevandic said.

The session was subsequently interrupted, and the incident is expected to further inflame political tensions within the Republika Srpska parliament.