On March 4, 2025, chaos broke out inside the Parliament of Serbia. Opposition lawmakers threw smoke grenades and used pepper spray to protest against the government. The protest was aimed at showing support for the student demonstrations that have been ongoing for months. In this uproar, one legislator suffered a stroke and had to be rushed to the hospital. This incident marks another chapter in the continuing political unrest in Serbia.
The Cause of the Protest
The protests in Serbia started months ago, following the tragic collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people. The student-led demonstrations began soon after the tragedy. Over time, teachers, farmers, and other groups joined in. The protests have become the biggest challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s rule, which has lasted for over a decade.
These protests criticized the Serbian government for corruption and poor handling of important issues. The student movement and the growing support from other groups have made it clear that they demand change. One key demand is greater government accountability.
The Scene in the Parliament of Serbia
On that fateful Tuesday, the Parliament of Serbia was holding a regular session. The ruling coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), had approved the agenda. However, the session quickly descended into chaos. Opposition lawmakers, furious with the government, took action.
Some opposition politicians ran from their seats, heading straight for the parliamentary speaker. They scuffled with security guards, adding to the confusion. Meanwhile, others began throwing smoke grenades and using pepper spray inside the chamber. As the grenades went off, the Parliament of Serbia was filled with thick, colored smoke. This chaotic scene was broadcast live on television, showing viewers the intense disruption inside the government building.
This wasn’t the first time the Parliament of Serbia had seen such turmoil. The country has a history of political clashes, especially since the introduction of multi-party democracy in 1990. However, this particular incident was incredibly violent and disruptive.
The Aftermath
The violence caused significant harm. Speaker Ana Brnabic confirmed that three lawmakers were injured. Among them was Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, who suffered a stroke during the chaos. Obradovic was quickly hospitalized, and the Health Minister later confirmed that she was in serious condition.
The session continued despite the disruption. Ruling coalition politicians debated while opposition lawmakers blew whistles and horns to drown them out. Some opposition members even held up signs calling for justice for those killed in the railway station collapse.
Outside the Parliament of Serbia, hundreds of protesters gathered to pay their respects to the victims of the tragedy. The protesters stood in silence, honoring those who had lost their lives. The protest leaders called for a significant rally in Belgrade on March 15, demanding further action from the government.
Tensions Rise in Serbia
The protest inside the Parliament of Serbia reflected the growing tension between the ruling coalition and the opposition. The government has been under increasing pressure from the public, with many accusing it of corruption and mismanagement. The ruling coalition, however, has attempted to downplay the situation, suggesting that Western intelligence agencies may be behind the protests to destabilize the country.
Radomir Lazovic, a representative of the opposition Green-Left Front, addressed the crowds outside the Serbian Parliament. He proposed forming a transitional government, which he believed would facilitate free and fair elections. However, President Vucic and his allies rejected this demand, signaling that the political crisis is far from over.
A law increasing funding for universities was on the agenda inside the Parliament of Serbia, one of the main demands of the protesting students. However, the opposition was angered by other items on the agenda, including a motion to accept Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s resignation.
The session was eventually adjourned. However, it was clear that Serbia’s political divisions were deepening. The Parliament of Serbia will resume its session on Wednesday, and it remains to be seen how the ongoing protests and political conflict will unfold.
What’s Next for the Parliament of Serbia?
The Parliament of Serbia is at a crossroads. Protests and chaos inside the legislative body show many Serbians’ frustration with the current government. With opposition groups calling for significant changes, the ruling coalition must decide whether to address or continue to oppose these demands.
The upcoming rally in Belgrade on March 15 is expected to draw even more people to the streets, signaling that the protests are far from over. In the coming weeks, whether the government can restore order and address the public’s concerns will be crucial.
The Parliament of Serbia remains a focal point of the political crisis. The events of March 4 remind us of the growing unrest in the country and the increasing challenges faced by President Vucic’s government.
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