Serbia Faces Rising Tensions as Opposition Protests Escalate in Parliament

The Serbian parliament became a battleground as opposition MPs protested by releasing smoke grenades and flares, accusing the government of corruption. With growing public dissatisfaction, particularly after a tragic infrastructure collapse, students and various professions have joined in protests demanding accountability and reform.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Serbian National Assembly witnessed significant chaos on Wednesday as opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) utilized smoke grenades and flares to protest against the ruling government. The chamber, which had been meticulously cleaned, was once again clouded in smoke as banners accusing President Aleksandar Vucic's administration of corruption were unfurled.

The Serbian police were promptly deployed to collect evidence for potential criminal charges against the protesting MPs, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the government. President Vucic condemned the actions as "hooliganism" and expressed intent to pursue criminal accountability for those involved. Notably, three female MPs suffered injuries during the turmoil, further highlighting the escalating tensions in the assembly.

The backlash stems from a series of mass protests following a tragic incident in November at Novi Sad railway station, which left 15 dead and has raised suspicions of corruption tied to the government. This catastrophe, part of a flagship infrastructure project, has ignited a wave of public unrest, with students and various professions demanding better transparency and accountability.

Despite having weathered numerous protests over the years, the current movement poses a unique challenge for Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which has consistently dominated the political landscape since 2012. With students leading daily vigils and protests, a collective voice of discontent over poor working conditions and salaries has emerged, forcing even non-political organizers to reconsider their stance concerning engagement with political entities.

Political analysts note that the opposition remains fragmented, lacking a united front capable of challenging the SNS effectively. Calls for reform have included the formation of a technical government following the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic in January, which Vucic vehemently opposes, claiming it undermines a democratically elected government. As protests continue, students have announced plans for a significant demonstration in Belgrade scheduled for March 15, raising expectations for potential developments in Serbia's political landscape.