HONG KONG — It was supposed to be a chance for Hong Kong’s embattled leader to lay out a sweeping vision that would guide the troubled city through the next year.

Instead, the annual policy address by Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, on Wednesday turned into a political fight on the floor of the legislative chamber, highlighting the stark divisions that could make it difficult to resolve the tensions underlying the monthslong protests.

The conflict began as soon as Mrs. Lam took her place at a lectern inside the chamber on Wednesday morning. Pro-democracy lawmakers, holding doctored photos of Mrs. Lam with blood on her hands, shouted insults and played audio clips of screaming protesters.

After two failed attempts to give her speech, Mrs. Lam retreated. She later delivered the speech by video from a protected location.