Serbian Opposition Throws Smoke Grenades in Parliament, WATCH
The initial parliamentary session of spring in Serbia was marred by disruptions from the opposition, who used smoke bombs and flares, resulting in injuries. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Lawmakers disrupted Serbia's parliament on Tuesday, igniting smoke grenades and tear gas as part of a protest against the government, resulting in serious injuries.
During the inaugural session of the spring legislative agenda, tensions escalated when the ruling coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party, moved forward with its agenda. Opposition MPs rushed toward the speaker’s chair, which led to a clash with security personnel.
The parliament was poised to pass a law aimed at increasing funding for universities—a primary demand of students who have been protesting since December. Furthermore, a discussion regarding the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic was on the schedule. However, opposition MPs contended that it was inappropriate to adopt legislation put forward by a government that had already seen its prime minister resign.
Vucevic announced his resignation in January after a series of anti-government protests erupted in response to alleged corruption and negligence. The protests were sparked by public anger following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which resulted in 15 fatalities. Vucevic asserted that the protests were being manipulated from abroad in an effort to stage a coup d’etat.
Live television coverage captured the chaotic scene, with clouds of black and pink smoke enveloping the chamber as opposition MPs threw water and eggs at the podium.
Despite the commotion, Speaker Ana Brnabic continued the session and criticized the opposition for wasting food, claiming it could have helped feed many families.
Three female lawmakers sustained injuries during the chaos, including 64-year-old Jasmina Obradovic from the SNS party, who experienced a stroke and remains in critical condition. “The woman is fighting for her life after you threw a flashbang at her,” Brnabic addressed the opposition. Reports indicate that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic later visited Obradovic in the hospital.
Another MP, Sonja Ilic, who is eight months pregnant, reported feeling unwell from the noise and smoke, while MP Jasmina Karanac suffered a head injury after being struck by a firecracker.
Public protests, which began in Novi Sad last November, have since spread to Belgrade, largely driven by students. Many university classes and school sessions have been canceled due to widespread student boycotts.
Vucic has accused the opposition of teaming up with foreign intelligence agencies to undermine the country, framing the protests as an effort at a “color revolution.” He specifically alleged that a coalition consisting of Western, Croatian, and Albanian interests is attempting "to destroy Serbia from within" and reinforced the government's resolve to resist such movements.
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s turmoil, crowds gathered outside the parliament, blocking a major thoroughfare in Belgrade. Media reports suggest that protest leaders have called for a significant rally in the capital on March 15.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
During the inaugural session of the spring legislative agenda, tensions escalated when the ruling coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party, moved forward with its agenda. Opposition MPs rushed toward the speaker’s chair, which led to a clash with security personnel.
The parliament was poised to pass a law aimed at increasing funding for universities—a primary demand of students who have been protesting since December. Furthermore, a discussion regarding the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic was on the schedule. However, opposition MPs contended that it was inappropriate to adopt legislation put forward by a government that had already seen its prime minister resign.
Vucevic announced his resignation in January after a series of anti-government protests erupted in response to alleged corruption and negligence. The protests were sparked by public anger following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which resulted in 15 fatalities. Vucevic asserted that the protests were being manipulated from abroad in an effort to stage a coup d’etat.
Live television coverage captured the chaotic scene, with clouds of black and pink smoke enveloping the chamber as opposition MPs threw water and eggs at the podium.
Despite the commotion, Speaker Ana Brnabic continued the session and criticized the opposition for wasting food, claiming it could have helped feed many families.
Three female lawmakers sustained injuries during the chaos, including 64-year-old Jasmina Obradovic from the SNS party, who experienced a stroke and remains in critical condition. “The woman is fighting for her life after you threw a flashbang at her,” Brnabic addressed the opposition. Reports indicate that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic later visited Obradovic in the hospital.
Another MP, Sonja Ilic, who is eight months pregnant, reported feeling unwell from the noise and smoke, while MP Jasmina Karanac suffered a head injury after being struck by a firecracker.
Public protests, which began in Novi Sad last November, have since spread to Belgrade, largely driven by students. Many university classes and school sessions have been canceled due to widespread student boycotts.
Vucic has accused the opposition of teaming up with foreign intelligence agencies to undermine the country, framing the protests as an effort at a “color revolution.” He specifically alleged that a coalition consisting of Western, Croatian, and Albanian interests is attempting "to destroy Serbia from within" and reinforced the government's resolve to resist such movements.
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s turmoil, crowds gathered outside the parliament, blocking a major thoroughfare in Belgrade. Media reports suggest that protest leaders have called for a significant rally in the capital on March 15.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
