Chaos in Serbian Parliament: Opposition MPs Throw Smoke Bombs and Flares

serbia - Opposition members disrupted the first session of the Serbian Parliament in over 3 months by throwing smoke bombs and flares.

Opposition MPs Disrupt Parliament Session

In a protest against government policies and in support of student demonstrations, opposition members in the Serbian Parliament threw smoke bombs and flares, creating chaos in the session.

The session, the first in over 3 months, turned chaotic as tensions rose between the ruling coalition led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the opposition. Opposition MPs, who opposed the agenda of the session put forward by the ruling coalition, directed their anger towards the Parliament Speaker, leading to a scuffle between opposition members and security personnel. Amidst the chaos, opposition MPs threw red and black smoke bombs, flares, and unfurled a banner that read, "Serbia is rising to overthrow the regime." The situation escalated further when both ruling and opposition MPs engaged in a brief scuffle, with some MPs even throwing eggs. The smoke bombs caused some MPs to faint, with one pregnant parliamentarian being taken to the hospital due to the effects of the smoke bombs.

Despite the commotion, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic announced that the Parliament would continue its work. She addressed the opposition, stating, "If you want the fight for Serbia to stop, you need to kill us." Brnabic emphasized her determination to continue working for Serbia, declaring, "You need to kill us. You can't stop us any other way. I will continue working. I will continue working for Serbia." Meanwhile, government ministers began presenting proposed laws to the Parliament amidst the smoke bombs and chaos. The opposition, meanwhile, tried to disrupt the session with whistles and chants.

Student protests in Serbia began four months ago following the collapse of a train station roof that resulted in the death of 15 people.