Violence erupted during the first spring session of the Serbian parliament on March 4, 2025, as opposition deputies attempted to disrupt proceedings with smoke bombs and flares, resulting in chaos and injuries. The incident marks another chapter of unrest fueled by protests demanding justice for victims of the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway canopy.
The opposition's uproar stemmed from grievances against several legislative proposals, particularly as they related to amendments on higher education and housing loans for young people. Tensions escalated when members of the Green-Left Front opposition party, led by Radomir Lazovic, confronted Speaker Ana Brnabic. Security intervened to halt the rush toward the podium, but not before the opposition unfurled banners proclaiming, "Serbia is rising to overthrow the regime," highlighting their dissatisfaction with the governing body.
Following the rejection of their demands to prioritize discussions on political accountability rather than legislative matters, opposition members resorted to throwing smoke bombs. This led to physical confrontations within the hall, causing deputies and security personnel to scramble. A source reported, "Security managed to prevent larger-scale confrontations, but chaos reigned for several minutes," emphasizing the volatile atmosphere.
During the skirmish, three female deputies were injured, drawing immediate concern. Jasmina Obradovic suffered a stroke, with medical personnel reported to be fighting for her life. Meanwhile, Jasmina Karanac sustained significant injuries, and Sanja Ilic, who is pregnant, was also hospitalized, though her condition remains unspecified. Speaker Brnabic expressed outrage, stating, "This woman is fighting for her life after you threw a firecracker at her," illustrating the gravity of the situation to assembled lawmakers.
This clash points to the broader unrest gripping Serbia since the tragic event of November 2024 when 15 people lost their lives due to the canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station. The structure's failure has been blamed on negligence during renovations, sparking nationwide protests calling for accountability from those responsible. Demonstrators demand not only justice for the deceased but also the resignation of prominent political figures, including President Aleksandar Vucic.
Since the protests began, the political climate has continued to heat up. Opposition parties, angry over perceived government malpractice, have joined forces with student groups who are spearheading demands for transparency and fair investigations. The protests culminated with Prime Minister Milos Vucevic stepping down at the end of January 2025 amid sustained pressure from demonstrators.
Despite the uproar, the assembly session resumed moments after the disturbances. Brnabic continued to advocate for discussions to move forward, claiming the business of governance should not be halted by chaos. Yet, her call seems to have fallen on deaf ears as protests simultaneously erupted outside the Parliament building, with citizens rallying against the government’s handling of the situation. Crowds gathered, blocking one of Belgrade's main avenues, reflecting the public’s desire for political reform.
Adding to the tensions, Deputy Chairman of the Serbian Government, Alexander Vulin, insinuated the country faces potential coup attempts, likening the protests to "another color revolution," aimed at destabilizing the government. Educational institutions became stages for political demonstrations, with students and faculty rallying to demand justice and accountability.
The students, motivated by the need for open investigations and full disclosure of documents concerning the Novi Sad tragedy, articulated four key demands. While negotiations remain fraught, the catalyzing force of student activism promises to sustain pressure on politicians to acknowledge and address the failures of governance.
Brnabic's attempts to maintain order within the parliament, juxtaposed with the protesters’ fervor outside, painted a picture of deep-seated political strife. Public sentiment reflects deep dissatisfaction with political leaders, pushing rival factions to confront one another both within parliamentary walls and on the streets.
Moving forward, the Serbian parliament faces significant challenges as it seeks to navigate through this tumultuous political climate. With calls for accountability intensifying, local and international scrutiny of the government's actions is expected to heighten, shaping the narrative around these protests and their underlying demands for justice.
The continuing fallout from the Novi Sad disaster highlights the urgency of the situation, as citizens demand not only justice for the victims but also substantial reform to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The recent parliamentary session is just one manifestation of the deep unrest permeated by unresolved grievances and calls for change.