 "In this screen grab, taken from video provided by RTS Serbia, smoke bombs and flares are seen inside parliament, in Belgrade, Serbia on Tuesday. Image- AP")
Opposition lawmakers disrupted a session in Serbia’s national assembly by throwing smoke grenades, halting proceedings to confirm Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s resignation and debate laws to address months of anti-government protests. The chaos led to a brawl, injuring at least three deputies, one of whom was hospitalized in serious condition, according to Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic.
During Tuesday’s session, opponents of President Aleksandar Vucic and the ruling party also used pepper spray and hurled bottles at cabinet ministers, Brnabic, a Vucic ally and former prime minister, reported.
The protests, initially led by students and now joined by teachers, farmers, and others, have grown into the most significant challenge to Vucic’s decade-long rule. Many Serbians are expressing frustration over government corruption and incompetence.
At the legislative session, after the ruling coalition led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) approved the agenda, some opposition politicians ran out of their seats towards the parliamentary speaker and scuffled with security guards.
Others tossed smoke grenades and tear gas, with live TV showing black and pink smoke inside the parliament, which has also witnessed brawls and throwing of water in the decades since the introduction of multi-party democracy in 1990.
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View AllTwo lawmakers injured
Speaker Ana Brnabic said two lawmakers were injured, with one, Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, suffering a stroke and in critical condition. “The parliament will continue to work and to defend Serbia,” she told the session.
As the session continued, ruling coalition politicians debated while opposition lawmakers whistled and blew horns.
Opposition deputies also held signs reading “general strike,” and “justice for the killed”, while outside the building protesters stood in silence to honour 15 people killed by a railway station roof collapse that was the spark for the protest movement.
Protest leaders called for a major rally in the capital Belgrade on March 15.
The ruling coalition says Western intelligence agencies are trying to destabilise Serbia and topple the government by backing the protests.
Parliament was due on Tuesday to adopt a law increasing funds for universities - one of the main demands of students blocking faculties since December.
Parliament had also been due to note the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. But other items put on the agenda by the ruling coalition angered the opposition.
With inputs from agencies