traverssolar.com – On March 4, 2025, the Serbian National Assembly descended into chaos during a parliamentary session, resulting in injuries to at least three lawmakers. The unrest erupted as opposition members protested against the ruling majority, leading to a dramatic confrontation within the legislative chamber.
Sequence of Events:
The session was convened to vote on increasing university funding, a topic that has been at the center of national discourse amid ongoing anti-corruption protests. Tensions escalated when opposition lawmakers accused the ruling party of attempting to pass additional decisions without proper confirmation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević’s resignation. In a display of dissent, opposition members ignited flares and smoke grenades inside the parliament, leading to a physical altercation between legislators.
Injuries and Immediate Response:
Among the injured was Jasmina Obradović, a member of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), who suffered a stroke amid the turmoil and was subsequently hospitalized. Other MPs sustained injuries from the melee and exposure to smoke. The incident prompted swift condemnation from parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabić, who labeled the opposition’s actions as “terrorist” and called for the session to continue despite the disruptions.
Context of the Unrest:
This parliamentary upheaval occurs against a backdrop of sustained anti-corruption protests that have gripped Serbia since late 2024. The movement gained momentum following a tragic incident in November, where the collapse of a railway station canopy resulted in 15 fatalities—a disaster attributed to systemic corruption. The public outcry has been particularly pronounced among student groups, who have been vocal in demanding governmental accountability and reforms.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Protests:
In solidarity with the opposition’s parliamentary protest, demonstrators gathered outside the National Assembly building, chanting slogans and calling for the resignation of government officials implicated in corruption scandals. The unrest reflects deep-seated frustrations within Serbian society regarding governance and transparency.
Government’s Stance:
Despite the escalating tensions, President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration has maintained a firm stance against the protesters’ demands for a transitional government to oversee fair elections Link Alternatif OLYMPUS88. The ruling party continues to assert its legitimacy and has criticized the opposition’s methods as detrimental to Serbia’s stability and aspirations for European Union membership.
The events of March 4 underscore the volatile political climate in Serbia, highlighting the challenges the nation faces in addressing public demands for reform while maintaining institutional order.