Serbian Parliament Erupts in Chaos as Lawmakers Clash with Flares and Smoke Grenades

Belgrade, Serbia – In an unprecedented escalation of political unrest, Serbian lawmakers turned the parliament chamber into a battleground, setting off smoke grenades, flares, and hurling eggs and water bottles during a heated session. The chaotic scenes, broadcast live on television, left at least three Members of Parliament injured, including one who suffered a stroke.

The violent clashes come after months of student-led protests that have gripped the Balkan nation, fueling widespread anger against the government. The incident marks a dramatic turn in Serbia’s ongoing political crisis and raises questions about the future of the country’s leadership and democratic institutions.

The Root of the Unrest

The turmoil in parliament stems from a tragedy that occurred in November when a recently renovated concrete canopy at Novi Sad’s main railway station collapsed, killing 15 people. The incident ignited nationwide outrage, with many blaming the disaster on hasty construction and government-linked corruption. Critics argue that the event epitomizes the widespread mismanagement and cronyism at the heart of President Aleksandar Vučić’s 12-year rule.

What began as vigils for the victims quickly morphed into massive student-led protests, drawing large crowds across Serbia. The demonstrators have since demanded accountability from the government, citing the railway station collapse as a symbol of systemic corruption and negligence. These protests have paralyzed major cities, bringing the country to a standstill for months.

Escalation in Parliament

On the day of the clashes, the Serbian parliament convened to confirm the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, who stepped down in January in an attempt to quell public discontent. Outside, thousands of peaceful demonstrators observed a 15-minute silence to honor the victims of the railway disaster. Meanwhile, inside the legislative chamber, tensions boiled over into full-blown chaos.

Opposition lawmakers, frustrated with the government’s response to the protests, unleashed flares and smoke grenades, filling the room with thick, red and black smoke. As security guards attempted to restore order, some parliamentarians hurled eggs and water bottles, while others engaged in physical altercations.

Among the injured were three members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, including a pregnant lawmaker who was caught in the melee. Another legislator suffered a stroke during the turmoil, underscoring the severity of the confrontation.

A Nation on Edge

The dramatic scenes in parliament are a stark reflection of Serbia’s deepening political crisis. President Vučić’s administration has taken a mixed approach to the protests, alternating between offering concessions and dismissing the movement as a foreign-orchestrated plot. However, despite government efforts to suppress dissent, the demonstrations have persisted, posing a significant challenge to Vučić’s leadership.

Critics accuse the government of attempting to deflect blame rather than addressing the root causes of public dissatisfaction. While Vučević’s resignation was seen as a move to pacify the protesters, many believe it was a mere political maneuver to shift focus away from deeper systemic issues.

What’s Next for Serbia?

The chaotic parliamentary session has brought Serbia’s political crisis into the global spotlight, raising concerns about the stability of its institutions. With protests showing no signs of abating and opposition lawmakers resorting to extreme measures to make their voices heard, Serbia stands at a crossroads.

The key question now is whether the government will take meaningful action to address corruption and public grievances, or if further escalation—both inside and outside parliament—will continue to shake the nation. For many Serbians, the latest turmoil symbolizes a desperate cry for change. Whether their demands will be met or continue to go unanswered remains to be seen.