Chaos erupted in the Serbian Parliament on Tuesday as a brawl broke out between lawmakers from the ruling SNS party and opposition members, leaving several people injured. The clash involved the throwing of smoke bombs, eggs, and water bottles, according to local media reports. President of the Parliament, Ana Brnabic, swiftly pointed fingers at the opposition, labeling them a “terrorist gang” and claiming that three SNS lawmakers were seriously injured in the altercation. One of the injured, lawmaker Jasmina Obradovic, is reportedly in critical condition after suffering a stroke when a stun grenade hit her head.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the country, with Brnabic, a close ally of nationalist President Aleksandar Vucic, stating that despite the chaos, she has no intention of interrupting today’s session. The parliamentary session was marred by clashes between lawmakers, who were eventually separated by security personnel, as red, white, and black smoke bombs, along with firecrackers, were hurled across the room. The Serbian Parliament convened today to confirm, among other matters, the resignation of the current government, led by caretaker Prime Minister and SNS leader Milos Vucevic, who had announced his resignation in late January.
As the mayhem unfolded inside the Parliament, hundreds of protesters gathered outside, pelting the building with eggs and other objects. The opposition is demanding the formation of a transitional government to prepare for “fair and democratic” elections, following repeated allegations of electoral fraud against Vucic’s SNS party in recent years. The protests, led by students, have been ongoing for months, with demonstrators calling for a state of law in Serbia. The trigger for the protests was the tragic collapse of the ceiling at the Novi Sad train station, north of Belgrado, on November 1, which claimed the lives of 15 people. The opposition and protesters contend that the deadly accident was a result of endemic corruption in the Balkan country.
Opposition Demands Transitional Government
The opposition’s demands for a transitional government come amid claims of widespread corruption and electoral manipulation. The protesters are seeking a government that can ensure free and fair elections, which they believe is essential for restoring democracy in Serbia. With Vucic announcing that he will appoint a new government within 30 days after the Parliament confirms Vucevic’s resignation, the opposition is bracing for a long and challenging road ahead.
Protests Sparked by Tragedy
The protests were sparked by the tragic accident at the Novi Sad train station, which highlighted the country’s deep-seated corruption problems. The opposition and protesters claim that the accident was a direct result of neglect and corruption, which has plagued the country’s infrastructure. As the country grapples with its political and social challenges, the international community is watching with bated breath, hoping that a peaceful resolution can be found to the current crisis.
In the midst of the chaos, Vucic’s announcement to appoint a new government has raised concerns among the opposition, who view Vucevic as a puppet of the president. The opposition is determined to push for a transitional government, which they believe is essential for restoring democracy and ensuring that the country’s elections are free and fair. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain – the future of Serbia hangs in the balance, and the world is watching.
