Serbian parliament descended into chaos on Tuesday as opposition members deployed smoke grenades and tear gas to protest against the government and show support for student demonstrations.
The unrest resulted in injuries to at least three lawmakers, one of whom is in critical condition after suffering a stroke, escalating political tensions in the Balkan nation.
Footage from inside the parliament chamber showed lawmakers clashing, followed by the throwing of flares and smoke bombs. Serbian media outlets reported that eggs and water bottles were also thrown. Simultaneously, hundreds of opposition supporters gathered outside the parliament building.
The turmoil stems from the fatal collapse of a canopy at a railway station in November, which triggered widespread protests demanding justice and accountability.
Many Serbians believe the collapse was a consequence of negligence and disregard for safety regulations due to government corruption. The canopy at the railway station collapsed following renovations carried out by two Chinese companies.
The protests led to the resignation of Milos Vucevic in January. While this made him the highest-ranking government official to resign, it has not stopped the protests, which have continued in Belgrade and throughout the country.
Parliament is still required to formally approve the prime minister’s resignation for it to be valid.
On Tuesday, lawmakers were scheduled to vote on a bill to increase funding for university education, a key demand of student protesters.
However, opposition parties accused the ruling majority of planning to push through numerous other decisions illegally, arguing that the parliament should first confirm the resignation of Vucevic and his government.
After the ruling coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), approved the agenda, some opposition politicians charged towards the parliamentary speaker, clashing with security guards.
Others deployed smoke grenades and tear gas, filling the parliament with black and pink smoke. Such incidents, including brawls and the throwing of water, have occurred in the parliament since the introduction of multi-party democracy in 1990.
As the session continued, politicians from the ruling coalition held debates while opposition lawmakers disrupted the proceedings with whistles and horns.
Opposition deputies also displayed signs with slogans such as “general strike” and “justice for the killed,” while protesters outside the building held a silent vigil to commemorate 15 people killed by a .
Parliament speaker Ana Brnabic labeled the opposition as a “terrorist gang.” The ruling coalition alleges that Western intelligence agencies are attempting to destabilize Serbia and overthrow the government by supporting the protests.
The government has attempted to avoid scrutiny by minimizing its responsibility for the railway station collapse. Initially, the government ignored the protests, then resorted to using force and accusing foreign agitators of infiltrating the movement.
Some observers have criticized the failure to act and provide clear answers to the public as a symptom of Serbia’s deep-rooted institutional corruption.
Meanwhile, protest leaders have called for a major rally in Belgrade on March 15.
’ Chris Massaro, Reuters and
“`