Serbia’s political tensions erupted into chaos inside parliament on Tuesday as opposition MPs set off smoke bombs and tear gas in protest against the government. The dramatic scenes, broadcast live on national television, unfolded amid four months of student-led demonstrations, which have drawn support from teachers, farmers, and other citizens frustrated with corruption and government failures.
One MP, Jasmina Obradovic of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), suffered a stroke during the incident and remains in critical condition. Another legislator was also injured. Despite the disruption, parliamentary Speaker Ana Brnabic vowed that “the parliament will continue to work and to defend Serbia.”
Ongoing Protests and Political Unrest
The protest movement was ignited by the deadly collapse of a train station roof late last year, an incident that killed 15 people and underscored widespread concerns about government mismanagement. Since then, anti-government demonstrations have intensified, posing a serious challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s rule. Protesters accuse the government of corruption, negligence, and failure to address safety concerns in public infrastructure.
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At the start of Tuesday’s parliamentary session, opposition politicians stormed toward the speaker’s podium, clashing with security guards. As tensions escalated, some MPs released smoke grenades and tear gas, filling the chamber with thick clouds of black and pink smoke. Meanwhile, ruling coalition politicians attempted to carry on with debates while opposition members whistled, blew horns, and held signs demanding justice for the train station victims.
Growing Calls for Change
Outside the parliament building, demonstrators gathered in silence to honor those killed in the station collapse. Protest leaders have now called for a mass rally in Belgrade on March 15, signaling that the unrest is far from over.
The Serbian parliament has seen physical confrontations before, including past brawls and disruptions, but Tuesday’s events mark one of the most intense protests within the chamber in recent history. As public anger grows, the opposition hopes to maintain pressure on the government and push for greater accountability.
