Images that have gone viral on social media clearly show that Stevic, 65, was viewing pornography on his phone during the debate. Stevic, who is considered a veteran of the Socialist Party, reportedly tendered his resignation under pressure from, among others, his party boss, according to the state broadcaster. The Socialist Party was supported in this by the Progressive Party, with which the party is in the Serbian coalition.
The debate centered on a possible deal on ties with Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. Serbia still refuses to recognize Pristina’s government. Serbia and Kosovo are coming under increasing pressure from Western countries to reach an agreement that normalizes relations between the two countries.