Belgrade, March 4, 2025: Chaos erupted in Serbia’s parliament on Tuesday as opposition lawmakers set off smoke grenades and tear gas to protest against the government and express solidarity with ongoing student-led demonstrations. The unrest led to a lawmaker suffering a stroke and several others being injured.
As the spring session of parliament commenced, members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) approved the agenda, prompting opposition politicians to storm toward Speaker Ana Brnabić, clashing with security guards. Amid the turmoil, some lawmakers threw smoke grenades and tear gas, filling the chamber with black and pink smoke, as seen on live television.
Speaker Ana Brnabić confirmed that two lawmakers were injured, including Jasmina Obradović of the SNS party, who suffered a stroke and is in critical condition.
“Parliament will continue to function and defend Serbia,” Brnabić asserted during the session.
Despite the disruptions, governing coalition politicians continued debates, while opposition members whistled and blew horns in defiance.
The protests inside parliament are part of a wider movement that began four months ago, initially led by students but now joined by teachers, farmers, and other citizens. Demonstrators accuse the government of corruption and incompetence, posing the most significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vučić’s decade-long rule.
Inside the chamber, opposition lawmakers held signs reading “General Strike” and “Justice for the Killed.” Outside, protesters observed a moment of silence for the 15 victims of a railway station roof collapse, which sparked the protests in Novi Sad last November. The tragedy, which occurred despite recent renovations, fueled public outrage over alleged corruption and lack of oversight in construction projects.
Protest leaders have called for a major rally in Belgrade on March 15, further intensifying pressure on the government.
Tuesday’s parliamentary session was set to adopt a law increasing university funding, one of the key demands of students who have been blocking faculties since December. A debate on the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević was also scheduled.
However, the governing coalition’s decision to introduce additional agenda items infuriated the opposition, triggering the dramatic scenes inside parliament.
