Serbian Opposition Lawmakers Protest Government with Smoke Grenades and Tear Gas

Image credits: Handout/National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia/AFP

Serbian opposition lawmakers have taken a drastic approach to protest against the government, throwing smoke grenades and tear gas inside parliament to show their support for demonstrating students. The chaotic scene unfolded on Tuesday as the spring session of parliament opened, with opposition politicians running out of their seats towards the parliamentary speaker and scuffling with security guards. The situation escalated quickly, with live TV showing black and pink smoke inside the parliament, and several lawmakers being injured in the process. One of the injured MPs, Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, suffered a stroke and is in critical condition.

The protests are part of a wider movement that has been gaining momentum over the past four months, sparked by a railway station roof collapse that killed 15 people in November. The incident has ignited long-simmering anger in the country over corruption and the alleged lack of oversight for construction and development projects. The student-led demonstrations have drawn in teachers, farmers, and others, posing the biggest threat yet to President Aleksandar Vucic's decade-long rule. Many Serbians are denouncing incompetence in government and calling for change. The opposition members also held signs reading "General strike," and "Justice for the killed", while outside the building, protesters stood in silence to honour the victims of the railway station roof collapse.

As the session continued, governing coalition politicians debated while opposition lawmakers whistled and blew horns. The parliament was due to adopt a law increasing funds for universities, one of the main demands of students blocking faculties since December. A discussion on the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic was also scheduled. However, other items put on the agenda by the governing coalition angered the opposition, triggering the chaos. The situation highlights the deepening divisions within the country and the growing discontent with the government. The use of tear gas and smoke grenades in parliament is a stark reminder of the escalating tensions and the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The protests are expected to continue, with a major rally planned in the capital Belgrade on March 15. The opposition is calling for a general strike and justice for the killed, while the government is trying to maintain order and stability. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many calling for calm and restraint. The situation in Serbia is a complex one, with deep-rooted issues of corruption and incompetence that need to be addressed. The use of violence and intimidation is not a solution and only serves to exacerbate the problem. A peaceful and democratic resolution is the only way forward, and it is up to the government and the opposition to work together to find a solution.

In conclusion, the situation in Serbia is a volatile one, with protests and demonstrations showing no signs of abating. The use of smoke grenades and tear gas in parliament is a worrying development, and it is essential that all parties involved work towards a peaceful resolution. The international community must also play a role in supporting the people of Serbia and encouraging the government to address the underlying issues of corruption and incompetence. Only through dialogue and cooperation can a solution be found, and it is up to all parties involved to take the necessary steps to ensure a peaceful and stable future for Serbia.