Serbia’s parliamentary proceedings descended into unprecedented chaos on Tuesday as tensions over political legitimacy and governance reached a boiling point. The dramatic scenes, which left three lawmakers injured, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing political crisis that has gripped the Balkan nation.
Violence erupts during disputed parliamentary session
What began as a scheduled vote on university education funding quickly devolved into mayhem when opposition members contested the session’s legitimacy. The dispute centered on whether Parliament should first address Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s pending resignation before proceeding with new legislation.
Opposition lawmakers launched their protest by blowing whistles and displaying a banner proclaiming “Serbia has risen so the regime would fall!” The situation rapidly deteriorated as flares and smoke bombs were deployed in the assembly hall, alongside projectiles including eggs and water bottles.
Political tensions and aftermath
Parliament speaker Ana Brnabic condemned the opposition’s actions, characterizing them as a “terrorist gang.” Among the three injured lawmakers, officials reported that one sustained serious injuries during the confrontation.
The incident stems from deeper political unrest following a tragic collapse of a concrete canopy in northern Serbia last November, which claimed 15 lives. Public outrage over the incident, which critics attributed to systemic corruption, led to widespread protests and ultimately prompted Prime Minister Vucevic’s resignation in January.
Opposition parties maintain that the current government lacks the authority to enact new legislation until Parliament formally accepts the prime minister’s resignation. This constitutional standoff has effectively paralyzed normal legislative functions and highlighted the deepening political divide in Serbia.
