Opposition lawmakers in Serbia set off smoke grenades and sprayed pepper spray inside parliament on Tuesday in a bold demonstration against the government and in solidarity with student-led protests. The unrest caused turmoil in the chamber, with one lawmaker suffering a stroke during the session.
The protests, which began four months ago after a railway station roof collapse killed 15 people in Novi Sad, have grown into the largest challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule. Students, teachers, farmers, and other groups have joined, accusing the government of corruption and mismanagement.
#Serbia 🇷🇸: another crazy day in the parliament as opposition lawmakers lit fireworks in protests of #Vucic’s corrupt government. pic.twitter.com/gzGWMPQ9yc
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) March 4, 2025
Clashes inside parliament
Tensions escalated during Tuesday’s legislative session after the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) coalition approved the agenda. Opposition lawmakers rushed toward the parliamentary speaker and clashed with security guards.
Some threw smoke grenades while others used pepper spray, filling the chamber with thick black and pink smoke. The disruption was broadcast live on television, adding to the previous tension in Serbia’s parliament since the country introduced multi-party democracy in 1990.
President Vucic later condemned the lawmakers’ actions, calling them “hooliganism” and vowing that authorities would hold those responsible accountable.
Lawmakers injured in the chaos
Speaker Ana Brnabic reported that three lawmakers were injured. Among them was Jasmina Obradovic of the ruling SNS party, who suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar later confirmed that Obradovic was in serious condition.
Under Serbian law, parliamentary deputies have immunity from prosecution but can lose this protection if they commit serious offenses.
🇷🇸 BREAKING: Serbian Lawmaker Suffers Stroke, Another Injured During Chaos in Parliament!
Jasmina Obradović, a member of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), suffered a stroke amid the chaos in the Serbian Parliament. Meanwhile, fellow lawmaker Jasmina Karanac was also injured… pic.twitter.com/eNlwwZb8kc
— Levan Gudadze (@GudadzeLevan) March 4, 2025
Despite the disruptions, ruling coalition members continued their debate as opposition lawmakers whistled and blew horns in protest. Some opposition deputies held up signs reading “General Strike” and “Justice for Those Killed,” referencing the railway station collapse that ignited the protests.
Demonstrators call for change
Outside parliament, hundreds of protesters stood in silence to honor those who died in the collapse. Protest leaders announced plans for a large rally in Belgrade on March 15.
The opposition has pushed for a transitional government to ensure fair elections, but Vucic and his allies have rejected the demand. Radomir Lazovic of the opposition Green-Left Front reiterated the call, telling supporters outside parliament, “We have a proposal … to have a transitional government.”
Meanwhile, the ruling coalition claims the protests are being fueled by Western intelligence agencies attempting to destabilize Serbia and remove the government.
Session adjourned amid political unrest
Tuesday’s session was expected to include a vote on increasing university funding, a key student protest demand. However, the ruling coalition added other items to the agenda. The move angered opposition lawmakers, who saw it as a political maneuver.
Amid rising tensions, the session was adjourned and is set to resume on Wednesday.
The latest unrest reflects growing dissatisfaction with the government and mounting pressure on Vucic’s administration. With protests gaining momentum, Serbia’s political stability faces an uncertain future.