The Serbian Parliament’s first regular session of 2025 descended into chaos on Tuesday, marked by violence and disorder as smoke bombs and flares disrupted proceedings shortly after they commenced.
During this tumultuous session, at least three lawmakers sustained injuries, with one suffering serious harm as confrontations broke out among members. The meeting was initially convened to vote on a proposal aimed at increasing funding for university education. However, opposition parties contested the legitimacy of the session, arguing that it should not proceed without first confirming the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and his government.
Escalation of tensions in the chamber
The atmosphere in the parliament grew increasingly tense as opposition members voiced their discontent. They resorted to blowing whistles and unfurling a banner that proclaimed, “Serbia is Rising to Bring Down the Regime!” This display further inflamed the situation, leading to the launch of flares, smoke bombs, and projectiles such as eggs and water bottles.
The violent outbreak culminated in physical altercations, illustrating the deep divisions within the Serbian political landscape. The chaotic scene has raised concerns about the stability of the government and the conduct of parliamentary proceedings.
Impact on Serbian politics
As the dust settles from this violent episode, questions loom over the future of the legislative agenda and the broader implications for governance in Serbia. The incident underscores the growing tensions between the ruling and opposition parties, highlighting the challenges facing the country’s political framework.
“The session was illegal and should first confirm the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and his government.”
With the situation developing, observers remain vigilant as to how this unrest may influence upcoming legislative decisions and the overall political climate in Serbia.