Opposition lawmakers in Serbia's National Assembly resorted to violence on Tuesday, deploying smoke bombs and flares during a parliamentary session. This act endangered lives and further deepened the nation's political crisis.​

The session, intended to address critical legislative matters, including increased funding for university education—a key demand of protesting students—was abruptly interrupted. Opposition members, rejecting the agenda, initiated chaos by blowing whistles, displaying provocative banners, and ultimately igniting smoke bombs and flares within the parliamentary chamber. The ensuing disorder led to physical confrontations among lawmakers. ​

🇷🇸😂No pyro no party. Serbian parliament turns into a brawl with flares & smoke bombs thrown around by MPs. The banner reads "Serbia rises up to bring down the regime". pic.twitter.com/TnXZ2KrR66

— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) March 4, 2025

The violent outbreak left at least three legislators injured, including Jasmina Obradović, a member of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), who suffered a stroke after being struck by a projectile and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Two other SNS deputies were also injured, including a pregnant lawmaker who required medical attention.

Speaker Ana Brnabić condemned the opposition's actions, labeling them as "terrorist" behavior. She added that such conduct not only disrupts democratic processes but also poses severe risks to the safety of public servants. Despite the turmoil, Brnabić asserted that parliamentary proceedings would continue, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining order and governance. 

Read more: Serbian leader warns of foreign-backed ‘color revolution’

The deliberate disruption of parliamentary proceedings follows weeks of opposition-led provocations aimed at destabilizing the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) government. Despite the government's commitment to increasing university funding—a key demand of student protests—opposition lawmakers obstructed the legislative process, using procedural complaints to derail the session and escalate tensions.

Opposition figures alleged procedural violations, insisting that the formal acknowledgment of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević’s resignation should have preceded any other legislative matters. However, the government rejected these claims, asserting that all procedures were followed correctly and that the opposition intentionally exploited procedural technicalities as an excuse to create chaos, ultimately resorting to violence, smoke bombs, and physical confrontations.

Protests and Political Unrest

The violent parliamentary session comes against the backdrop of four months of student-led protests, triggered by the November 2024 Novi Sad railway station collapse, which killed 15 people. 

While the government has taken swift action, launching legal proceedings against those responsible, the opposition has sought to exploit the tragedy for political gain, making unsubstantiated accusations of corruption and mismanagement.

Despite attempts to pressure the government into accepting a transitional administration, the ruling coalition has firmly rejected these demands, citing Serbia's constitutional order and democratic legitimacy. Officials have also warned that foreign intelligence agencies are actively working to destabilize the country, using opposition figures to sow unrest and weaken Serbia’s sovereignty.