Violence erupted in the Serbian Parliament when opposition lawmakers unleashed smoke grenades and tear gas during a session. The incident comes amid broader political unrest in Serbia following a fatal railway canopy collapse, which protesters blame on government corruption. What was the parliamentary session intended to address?
Chaos Erupts in Serbian Parliament
The Serbian Parliament descended into unprecedented violence when opposition lawmakers deployed smoke grenades, tear gas, and pepper spray during a crucial legislative session. What began as a political protest quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, with flares, eggs, and water bottles being hurled across the assembly hall while security guards attempted to restore order.
The parliamentary session had been convened to confirm Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s resignation and vote on a law to increase funding for university education, a key demand of protesting students. Opposition members disrupted proceedings with whistles and banners while hundreds of supporters rallied outside the parliament building, creating a tense atmosphere both inside and outside the legislative chamber.
Chaos in the Serbian 🇷🇸 parliament this morning. pic.twitter.com/IQO3zpPQ3L
— Based Serbia (@SerbiaBased) March 4, 2025
Lawmakers Hospitalized Following Violent Clash
The violent confrontation resulted in at least three lawmakers being hospitalized, with ruling party member Jasmina Obradovic reportedly in serious condition after suffering a stroke. Parliament speaker Ana Brnabic vowed that “the parliament will continue to work and to defend Serbia” despite the disruption, characterizing the opposition as a “terrorist gang” determined to destabilize the country.
President Aleksandar Vucic visited the injured lawmaker Obradovic in the hospital, expressing confidence in her recovery by stating, “Jasmina will win, Serbia will win.” Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic strongly condemned the opposition’s actions as disgraceful, reinforcing the government’s stance that the violence represented an attack on democratic institutions rather than legitimate political expression.
NOW – Chaos erupts in the Serbian parliament. pic.twitter.com/smh2goXVhO
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 4, 2025
Deepening Political Crisis in Serbia
The parliamentary chaos reflects a broader political crisis that has been brewing in Serbia for months following a deadly incident at a railway station. The collapse of a canopy at the station killed 15 people, sparking widespread anti-corruption protests amid allegations that government negligence and corruption contributed to the tragedy.
Opposition deputies held signs reading “general strike” and “justice for the killed” during the parliament session, connecting their protest to the broader anti-government movement. What began as student-led demonstrations has expanded to include teachers, farmers, and other segments of society, with protest leaders calling for a major rally in Belgrade on March 15 to press demands for governmental change.
The ruling coalition, led by President Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party, has maintained a firm grip on power despite the unrest and claims that Western intelligence agencies are backing the protests to destabilize Serbia. Opposition parties argue that parliament should only discuss “the fall of the government” and demand a transitional administration to prepare for fair elections, highlighting the fundamental disagreement over political legitimacy that continues to divide the nation.