Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemns a chaotic protest by opposition MPs inside the National Assembly, where smoke bombs and flares highlighted public discontent over government actions. As protests from various societal groups grow, calls for a technical government gain momentum, challenging the dominance of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
Serbia's Parliament Erupts in Chaos as Opposition Stages Smoke and Flare Protest
Serbia's Parliament Erupts in Chaos as Opposition Stages Smoke and Flare Protest
Tensions soar in Serbia's National Assembly as opposition MPs utilize smoke bombs and flares in a protest against the government, drawing condemnation and raising questions about accountability.
Serbia's National Assembly found itself in chaos as opposition MPs resorted to smoke bombs and flares during a recent session, protesting against the government’s actions and alleged corruption. The incident occurred shortly after the chamber had been cleaned, following an earlier chaotic session that involved accusations of mismanagement and grave mistakes by the ruling party.
President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the actions as "hooliganism," indicating the potential for criminal charges against the MPs involved. Reports confirmed that three female MPs were injured during the unrest, highlighting the volatile environment within the parliament. The EU's response emphasized the need for parliamentary decorum and democratic discourse.
Opposition leader Radomir Lazovic defended the protest, describing it as a necessary reaction to what he called ongoing violence against Serbian citizens during the years of SNS rule. The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by Vucic, has been in power for over a decade, continuously winning elections, which critics attribute to its control of media and state functions rather than effective governance.
Recent public sentiment has been significantly influenced by a tragic incident at a construction site that has stirred widespread anger and distrust in government accountability. Students have been at the forefront of these protests, advocating for transparency and garnering support from a wide swath of society, yet they have consciously remained separated from political parties, which could change as the protests evolve.
The fragmented opposition faces challenges in presenting a unified front against the SNS. A widespread call for a technical government has emerged following Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s resignation, yet Vucic has resisted this proposal, hinting at possible fresh elections.
As discontent festers, what begins as student-led gatherings may morph into a significant political challenge for the ruling party, with a landmark protest planned for March 15 in Belgrade that could reshape the political landscape in Serbia.
