Serbian opposition lawmakers caused chaos in parliament on Tuesday by throwing smoke grenades and tear gas to protest against the government and show support for demonstrating students. The situation escalated when one legislator suffered a stroke during the commotion.
For the past four months, student-led demonstrations have gained momentum, drawing in various groups like teachers and farmers, posing a significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic's decade-long rule. Many Serbians are expressing discontent over perceived corruption and incompetence within the government.
During the legislative session, members of the ruling coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), approved the agenda, prompting opposition politicians to rush towards the parliamentary speaker and engage in scuffles with security guards. Smoke grenades and tear gas were thrown, leading to scenes of colored smoke filling the parliament chamber, a venue that has witnessed previous incidents of unrest since the advent of multi-party democracy in 1990.
Speaker Ana Brnabic reported that two lawmakers were injured, with one, Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, suffering a stroke and being in critical condition. Despite the turmoil, Brnabic affirmed that the parliament would persist in its duties to safeguard Serbia.
As debates continued among ruling coalition members, opposition lawmakers resorted to disruptive tactics like whistling and blowing horns. They also displayed signs calling for a general strike and justice for those who lost their lives in a recent railway station roof collapse that triggered the protest movement.
Protest leaders have announced plans for a large rally in Belgrade on March 15 to amplify their demands. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition has alleged that Western intelligence agencies are behind the protests, aiming to destabilize Serbia and overthrow the government.
On the parliamentary agenda for Tuesday was the adoption of a law to increase funding for universities, a key demand of students who have been blockading faculties since December. Additionally, the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic was to be acknowledged, but other contentious items introduced by the ruling coalition further fueled tensions with the opposition.
