In a dramatic turn of events, Serbian opposition lawmakers threw smoke grenades and tear gas inside the parliament on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, to protest against the government and show solidarity with demonstrating students. The chaos left one legislator in critical condition after suffering a stroke, highlighting the intensity of the political unrest gripping the country.
The Backdrop: Months of Protests
For four months, Serbia has been rocked by student-led demonstrations, which have since grown to include teachers, farmers, and other citizens. These protests have become the biggest challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule, with many Serbians expressing frustration over government corruption and incompetence.
The protests gained momentum after a tragic incident in December 2024, when 15 people were killed in a railway station roof collapse. This event became a rallying cry for the movement, with protesters demanding accountability and justice.
Inside the Parliament: Chaos Erupts
During a legislative session, tensions boiled over after the ruling coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), approved the agenda. Opposition lawmakers responded with outrage:
- Some rushed toward the parliamentary speaker, scuffling with security guards.
- Others threw smoke grenades and tear gas, filling the chamber with black and pink smoke.
Live TV footage captured the chaos, reminiscent of past parliamentary brawls that have included water-throwing and physical altercations since Serbia’s transition to multi-party democracy in 1990.
Injuries and Aftermath
The unrest left two lawmakers injured, including Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, who suffered a stroke and is in critical condition. Despite the chaos, Speaker Ana Brnabic vowed that the parliament would continue its work:
“The parliament will continue to work and to defend Serbia.”
As the session resumed, ruling coalition politicians debated while opposition lawmakers whistled, blew horns, and held signs reading “general strike” and “justice for the killed.”
Protests Outside Parliament
Outside the parliament building, protesters stood in silence to honor the 15 victims of the railway station tragedy. Protest leaders called for a major rally in Belgrade on March 15, aiming to amplify their government accountability and reform demands.
Government Response: Blaming External Forces
The ruling coalition has accused Western intelligence agencies of fueling the protests to destabilize Serbia and topple the government. This narrative has further polarized the political climate, with many dismissing the claims as an attempt to deflect blame.
Key Issues on the Agenda
The parliamentary session was set to address several critical issues, including:
- Increased Funding for Universities: A key demand of the protesting students, who have been blocking faculties since December.
- Resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic: His resignation was expected to be noted during the session.
However, the ruling coalition’s decision to add other items to the agenda angered the opposition, sparking the chaotic protests.
Why This Matters
The unrest in Serbia reflects deep-seated frustrations with the government and a growing demand for transparency, accountability, and reform. The protests have united diverse groups, from students to farmers, signaling a broad-based movement for change.
Call to Action: Stay Informed and Engaged
As Serbia navigates this turbulent period, staying informed about the developments and their implications is crucial. Here’s how you can help:
- Follow Reliable News Sources: Stay updated with trusted outlets like BBC News and Reuters.
- Raise Awareness: Share this article to spread the word about the situation in Serbia.
- Support Peaceful Dialogue: Advocate for non-violent solutions to the crisis.
Join the conversation on social media using #SerbiaProtests and #JusticeForSerbia. Together, we can amplify the voices of those demanding change.