Chaos Erupts in Serbian Parliament as Smoke Bombs, Flares Injure Lawmakers

Smoke bombs and flares were released in the Serbian parliament in Belgrade, accompanied by a banner reading "Serbia has risen to bring down the regime."

The Serbian Parliament descended into chaos on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, as opposition lawmakers disrupted a session by throwing smoke bombs and flares, leaving at least three legislators injured. The incident marks a dramatic escalation in the country’s ongoing political crisis, fueled by anti-corruption protests and public frustration with the ruling government.

The parliamentary session was initially convened to vote on a proposed law to increase funding for higher education. However, opposition parties argued that the session was illegitimate, claiming that the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and his government must first be formally acknowledged before any new legislation could be passed. Tensions boiled over as opposition members blew whistles, displayed banners reading “Serbia has risen so the regime would fall,” and clashed with ruling party lawmakers.

Video footage from inside the assembly hall captured chaotic scenes of flares, smoke bombs, eggs, and water bottles being hurled as lawmakers engaged in physical altercations. Among those injured was Jasmina Obradović, a member of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), who was hospitalized in critical condition after reportedly suffering a stroke during the disturbance. Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić condemned the opposition’s actions, labeling them a “terrorist gang,” while Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić called the incident “a disgrace to Serbia.”

Outside the parliament building in Belgrade, hundreds of protesters gathered in solidarity with the opposition. The student-led demonstrations, which began in November after the deadly collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad that killed 15 people, have evolved into broader anti-government protests against corruption and inefficiency. Students have been at the forefront of demands for increased education funding and accountability from government officials.

Prime Minister Vučević resigned in January amid mounting public pressure but remains in office until his resignation is formally ratified by parliament. Opposition lawmakers argue that his government lacks legitimacy to pass new laws and have called for a transitional government to oversee free and fair elections. Radomir Lazović, a leftist opposition leader, stated, “We are ready to support the education bill demanded by students but will not allow other decisions from an illegitimate government.”

The ruling coalition has resisted calls for a transitional government or snap elections. President Aleksandar Vučić, who visited Obradović in the hospital following Tuesday’s events, continues to face criticism for his administration’s handling of corruption allegations and its authoritarian tendencies. Despite pursuing European Union membership for Serbia, Vučić’s government has been accused of undermining democratic norms.

The turmoil in parliament underscores Serbia’s deepening political crisis as protests show no signs of abating. With tensions running high both inside and outside parliament, analysts warn that the country faces significant challenges in restoring stability and addressing public grievances.