During a tumultuous session in parliament on Tuesday, Serbian opposition lawmakers resorted to extreme measures to protest against the government and show solidarity. Amid ongoing demonstrations triggered by a tragic event, a legislator suffered a stroke amidst the chaos, intensifying the strife against President Aleksandar Vucic's administration plagued by allegations of corruption and ineptitude.
The unruly scene unfolded when opposition members, dissatisfied with the agenda approved by the ruling coalition, engaged in scuffles with security guards and disrupted the proceedings by releasing smoke grenades and using pepper spray. This incident marked a new low in a history of parliamentary brawls since the country's shift to a multi-party system in 1990.
In response to the chaos, President Vucic condemned the behavior as "hooliganism" and vowed to hold the involved deputies accountable. The aftermath revealed that several lawmakers were injured, with one, Jasmina Obradovic, from the ruling party, suffering a stroke and requiring hospitalization, as confirmed by Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar.
As the parliamentary session continued, tensions escalated with ongoing disruptions from the opposition, who demanded justice for the deceased and a general strike. Protest leaders urged for a large-scale demonstration in Belgrade on March 15, maintaining pressure on the government to address their grievances, including calls for a transitional government to oversee fair elections.
Opposition voices argued for a transitional government to ensure democratic processes, an idea staunchly opposed by Vucic and his allies. Meanwhile, allegations of Western interference and a push for regime change loomed, further complicating the political landscape. The session, initially set to address increased university funding, took a contentious turn as additional agenda items, such as the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, stoked further discord between the parties.
Amidst the turmoil, the parliament adjourned the session, with plans to resume deliberations on Wednesday, underscoring the deepening political crisis gripping Serbia.