Serbian parliament erupts in chaos as opposition deploys smoke grenades

Serbian opposition lawmakers set off smoke grenades and used pepper spray inside parliament on Tuesday in a dramatic protest against the government and in support of ongoing student-led demonstrations. Amid the chaos, a ruling party legislator suffered a stroke and was hospitalised.

The unrest comes as four months of student-led protests, triggered by the deaths of 15 people in a railway station roof collapse, have grown into the most significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule. The demonstrations, which have drawn support from teachers, farmers, and other groups, are fuelled by widespread anger over alleged government corruption and incompetence.

During the legislative session, after the ruling coalition led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) approved the agenda, opposition lawmakers rushed towards the parliamentary speaker, clashing with security guards. Others deployed smoke grenades and pepper spray, filling the chamber with thick black and pink smoke. Live television footage captured the chaotic scenes in a parliament that has witnessed multiple brawls since Serbia transitioned to multi-party democracy in 1990.

Vucic condemned the disruption, calling it “hooliganism” and vowing that authorities would hold the deputies involved accountable. While Serbian law grants parliamentary members immunity from prosecution, they can lose it if they commit serious crimes.

Parliamentary Speaker Ana Brnabic reported that three lawmakers were injured, and Jasmina Obradovic, an SNS legislator, suffered a stroke and was rushed to the hospital. Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar later confirmed that Obradovic was in serious condition.

Despite the disorder, ruling coalition lawmakers continued debating while opposition members blew whistles and horns. Some held signs reading “General Strike” and “Justice for Those Killed,” referencing the victims of the Novi Sad station collapse in November.

Outside parliament, hundreds of protesters stood in silence to honour those who died. Protest leaders have called for a large-scale rally in the capital, Belgrade, on 15 March.