Video: Serbian opposition causes chaos in Parliament by throwing flares

On the brink of tragedy in Serbia. A group of opposition lawmakers caused chaos inside Parliament by throwing flares, smoke canisters and tear gas and activating fire extinguishers as a form of protest against the government, accused of corruption and criticized for its handling of various issues.

Shortly after Tuesday's plenary session began, several opposition deputies lit flares and threw smoke canisters inside the Parliament.

Tear gas was also thrown, Interior Minister Ivica Dacic and Assembly Speaker Ana Brnabic said. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic described these events as "acts of hooliganism," in statements reported by AFP.

In this serious altercation, broadcast live on official channels, three deputies were injured: one of them - Jasmina Obradovic - had to be urgently hospitalized after suffering a stroke.

Tensions in Serbia began in November 2024, after the collapse of the roof of a train station in the town of Novi Sad. That event, in which 15 people lost their lives, was the trigger for protests against the government of Milos Vucevic, organized by students and seconded by teachers and other social groups.

Gradually, the protests grew and the movement transformed its aftershocks into vandalism. The students went so far as to block several important roads in Novi Sad and other localities in the country - such as in the capital, Belgrade. There were also clashes with the authorities.

The tense situation resulted in the resignation of Vucevic and other senior officials at the end of January. This Tuesday was the first plenary session since the prime minister's departure.