Serbian opposition legislators interrupted a parliamentary session on Tuesday by tossing smoke grenades and tear gas within the chamber, ratcheting up tensions over government policies and continuing student protests. The dramatic moments, broadcast live on television, underscored the increasing unrest in the nation.
The demonstrations started initially after the roof of a train station collapsed and killed 15 individuals four months ago but have now developed into Serbia’s biggest political test in years. Students have been occupying university faculties since December, calling for reforms and more spending on education.
CHAOS IN SERBIAN PARLIAMENT!
Opposition deputies threw smoke grenades & tear gas in parliament, protesting government policies & backing student-led demonstrations. pic.twitter.com/y8PvrwZJMs
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) March 4, 2025
During the session, once the agenda was endorsed by the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS)-dominated coalition, opposition lawmakers charged at the parliamentary speaker, confronting security guards. Some legislators threw smoke grenades and tear gas, creating black and pink smoke in the chamber.
? NOW: Smoke bombs in the Serbian parliament. Chaos breaks out as opposition politicians protest against the parliamentary session in support of the massive anti-government student protests that are gripping the country. pic.twitter.com/BbgcO8uIVS
— red. (@redstreamnet) March 4, 2025
Speaker Ana Brnabic confirmed that two legislators were hurt in the melee. “The parliament will keep working and defending Serbia,” she stated. Jasmina Obradovic, a member of the SNS party, had a stroke during the melee and is in critical condition.
The session was to approve legislation to raise university funding—one of the main demands of the student protesters. Lawmakers were also to officially accept the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. But opposition lawmakers became enraged over other items proposed by the ruling coalition.
As Serbia grapples with growing political turmoil, the parliament chaos and street protests show that the crisis is deepening for the government. With student unrest continuing and opposition groups showing defiance, the nation is facing an uncertain political destiny in the coming weeks.
