A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Kosovo's parliament on Thursday, escalating tensions between the ruling coalition and the opposition. During a discussion about ongoing efforts to alleviate unrest between the Albanian majority and the Serb minority in the country's north, an opposition member approached Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the podium and threw water on him and his deputy.

This act triggered a melee, with lawmakers from both sides engaging in physical altercations. The situation rapidly deteriorated into a full-blown brawl, requiring police intervention to restore order. Bodyguards shielded Prime Minister Kurti as the chaotic scene played out.

The catalyst for this parliamentary outburst was a leaked audio recording featuring Mimoza Kusari-Lila, chairwoman of Kurti's party, conversing with a former Serb lawmaker. In the recording, Kusari-Lila mentions a phone call with Milan Radojcic, an individual of Serb ethnicity sanctioned by the U.S. for alleged organized crime and corruption. Radojcic is also wanted by Kosovar authorities.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions in northern Kosovo, particularly since ethnic Albanian mayors assumed office following April elections boycotted by the Serb population. The Serbs have been advocating for the implementation of a long-standing agreement granting them greater autonomy. Kosovo's population is approximately 90% ethnic Albanian and 5% Serb.

Prime Minister Kurti recently announced an agreement with the European Union to reduce the police presence in the north and implement other de-escalation measures. In May, clashes between NATO peacekeeping forces and Serb protesters resulted in injuries to 93 peacekeepers and 52 Serbs.