Serbia's Parliament Erupts in Chaos as Opposition Protests Corruption

Serbian opposition activists have stirred significant unrest in parliament, using smoke bombs and flares to protest government corruption and demanding accountability following a recent infrastructure tragedy. As public dissatisfaction grows, students are leading the charge for transparency, while political divisions hinder a united opposition front.

Serbia's National Assembly witnessed unprecedented chaos as opposition lawmakers unleashed smoke bombs and ignited flares within the parliamentary chamber. The uproar stemmed from growing public frustration over government corruption and the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people.

Prior to the tumultuous session on Wednesday, cleaners were dispatched to restore order following the previous day's ruckus, which saw MPs unveil banners accusing the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of corrupt practices. President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the actions as "hooliganism" and signaled plans to hold responsible those involved in the uproar.

The protests have gained momentum, particularly since the Novi Sad station disaster, prompting widespread outrage against the government's handling of public safety and infrastructure integrity. Students have taken the lead, organizing daily vigils and demonstrations, promoting accountability while largely distancing their movement from political parties.

Despite efforts to keep the protests non-political, analysts believe that the lack of a unifying opposition capable of challenging the SNS may eventually necessitate political engagement. Calls for a technical government have emerged from fragmented opposition parties following the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, but Vucic has dismissed these demands, viewing them as attempts to undermine legitimate governance.

As public discontent continues to boil over, attention turns to an anticipated large-scale protest planned by students in Belgrade on March 15, signaling that the struggle for change in Serbia is far from over.