Serbia’s National Assembly was left in disarray on Wednesday after opposition MPs staged a chaotic protest, using smoke bombs, fire extinguisher powder, and eggs to accuse the government of corruption. Cleaners had been busy removing the aftermath of the previous day’s unrest, as spent smoke bombs and debris were cleared before MPs arrived for the day’s session. Police were on-site, gathering evidence for potential criminal charges against the MPs involved.
President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the actions as “hooliganism” and vowed to hold those responsible accountable through the criminal justice system. The protest led to injuries among three female MPs, one of whom was struck by an object and another who reportedly suffered a stroke.
The European Union voiced its concern, emphasizing that a parliament should be a place for constructive democratic debate. Despite this, the opposition remained unapologetic. Radomir Lazovic, co-leader of the Green-Left Front, used a fire extinguisher during the protest, describing it as a response to the violence he claims has been inflicted on Serbian citizens for over a decade under Vucic’s rule.
The protests come amid growing public dissatisfaction with the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which has been in power since 2012. Vucic’s administration has faced mounting criticism over corruption, with many attributing the party’s election victories to its dominance over Serbia’s media and state institutions rather than its policies.
The recent unrest has been fueled by several events, most notably the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November, which killed 15 people. The station was part of the government’s high-profile infrastructure project linking Belgrade to Budapest. Public outrage over the incident, combined with widespread dissatisfaction over salaries and working conditions, has led to daily student-led vigils, protests, and strikes by workers.
While students have been at the forefront of the protests, remaining non-political, they have united various sectors of society, including lawyers and farmers. Despite this, the opposition parties have struggled to form a unified front capable of challenging the SNS, with no credible coalition emerging.
The opposition has called for the formation of a technical government to oversee elections, arguing it would reduce the SNS’s control over media and state bodies. However, Vucic has rejected this proposal, suggesting it is an attempt to overthrow a legitimately elected government.
With protests ongoing, student leaders are planning their largest demonstration yet in Belgrade on March 15. The future of Serbia’s political landscape remains uncertain as the country grapples with its deepening unrest.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5z8deg27xo