Serbian opposition lawmakers have disrupted a parliamentary session by throwing smoke bombs and tear gas inside the chamber, protesting against the government and showing solidarity with student-led demonstrations.
The chaos led to scuffles with security personnel, injuries to at least two legislators, and one lawmaker suffering a stroke.
As the spring session of parliament commenced on Tuesday, the ruling coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party, approved the agenda. However, moments later, opposition politicians rushed toward the parliamentary speaker’s desk, clashing with security guards.
Others threw smoke bombs and tear gas canisters, filling the chamber with black and pink smoke. Live television footage captured the scene, reminiscent of previous disruptions in Serbian parliament, which has witnessed brawls and even water-throwing incidents since the introduction of multiparty democracy in 1990.
Speaker Ana Brnabic confirmed that two lawmakers sustained injuries during the fracas, with one of them, Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, suffering a stroke. “The parliament will continue to work and to defend Serbia,” Brnabic declared during the session.
Despite the disruption, the governing coalition proceeded with discussions while opposition lawmakers blew whistles and sounded horns in defiance.
Serbia has been gripped by four months of student-led demonstrations, which have expanded to include teachers, farmers, and other groups dissatisfied with the government. These protests represent the most significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule, with many Serbians voicing anger over corruption and perceived government incompetence.
Inside the parliament, opposition members held signs reading “General strike” and “Justice for the killed.” Meanwhile, outside the building, demonstrators gathered in silent tribute to the 15 victims of a railway station roof collapse—a tragedy that ignited the protest movement.
Protest leaders have announced plans for a massive rally in Belgrade on March 15, demanding accountability for the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad railway station roof in November. The incident, which occurred despite recent extensive renovations, has fueled long-standing frustrations over corruption and alleged negligence in infrastructure projects.
Tuesday’s parliamentary agenda included discussions on increasing funding for universities—one of the key demands of student protesters who have been blocking faculties since December. Lawmakers were also set to debate the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic.
However, additional agenda items introduced by the ruling coalition enraged the opposition, leading to the violent scenes inside the chamber.
