Political tensions in Serbia reached a boiling point on March 4, 2025, as opposition lawmakers set off smoke grenades and tear gas inside the Serbian parliament during a heated session. The disruption was a dramatic protest against government policies and corruption allegations, adding to months of escalating anti-government demonstrations.
Srbski parlament. Protest, dim prerivanje, cel kaos. Predsednica parlamenta Ana Brnabić pravi, da se Srbija ne sme ustaviti in nadaljuje zasedanje. #Srbija #Serbia #Beograd @rtvslo pic.twitter.com/45C3IMNowi
The Incident: Smoke and Chaos in Parliament
The Serbian National Assembly was in session when opposition members suddenly ignited smoke grenades and released tear gas, forcing a temporary suspension of proceedings. According to witnesses, the chamber was quickly engulfed in thick smoke, causing lawmakers and parliamentary staff to flee.
Key Details:
- Time & Place: March 4, 2025 – Serbian Parliament, Belgrade.
- Who Involved: Opposition lawmakers vs. government officials.
- Casualties: At least three lawmakers injured; one in critical condition.
The chaotic scene escalated into physical altercations between opposition members and security personnel. Speaker Ana Brnabic condemned the act, calling the perpetrators a "terrorist gang" and vowing that parliamentary work would not be halted by violence.
A vile, racist outburst of Serbia Parliament Speaker, Ana Branabic, referring to Kosovo media with the derogatory "siptarski media", while attacking their own opposition. pic.twitter.com/02EUdfEuaT
Why Did the Opposition Resort to Smoke Grenades?
This highly unusual act was a response to several grievances raised by opposition parties and a growing student-led protest movement that has swept across Serbia. The opposition accuses the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of:
- Ignoring student demands for increased university funding.
- Corruption and government mismanagement, especially in infrastructure projects.
- A lack of transparency and democratic governance.
The protests were originally sparked by a tragic incident in December 2024, when a train station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 15 people. Critics blame government corruption for the disaster, claiming it exposed unsafe infrastructure projects linked to foreign contracts.
Injuries & Response from Authorities
The smoke grenades and scuffles inside parliament resulted in several injuries:
- Jasmina Obradovic, a ruling SNS lawmaker, suffered a stroke and remains in critical condition.
- Two additional lawmakers sustained minor injuries from exposure to tear gas and physical confrontations.
In response, the government announced a full investigation and possible criminal charges against opposition lawmakers involved in the disruption.
Government's Reaction & Political Fallout
The Serbian government and President Aleksandar Vucic have condemned the opposition’s actions, calling them “an attack on democracy”. Meanwhile, opposition leaders maintain that their dramatic protest was necessary to draw attention to their demands.
What’s Next?
- Parliamentary sessions are expected to resume this week, despite heightened security.
- Criminal charges may be filed against opposition members involved in the incident.
- Student protests continue to grow, calling for an independent investigation into corruption allegations.
Mixed Views on Opposition's Tactics
The incident has divided public opinion in Serbia:
Supporters of the Opposition:
Many believe the smoke grenades were justified, arguing that peaceful protests have been ignored by the government for months.
Critics of the Protest:
Others condemn the opposition’s extreme tactics, warning that such actions threaten Serbia’s democratic stability.