Serbia's Parliament Erupts in Chaos Amid Political Turmoil and Anti-Corruption Protests

Serbia's Parliament Erupts in Chaos Amid Political Turmoil

Serbia's parliament descended into chaos on Tuesday as smoke bombs and flares were thrown during a heated session, injuring at least three politicians. The disruption occurred during a vote on a bill to increase university funding, highlighting the deep political divisions gripping the Balkan nation.

Opposition parties boycotted the vote, claiming the session was illegitimate and demanding the parliament first formally acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and his government. This incident underscores the ongoing political crisis in Serbia, which has been roiled by months of anti-corruption protests targeting the populist government.

Months of Turmoil Culminate in Parliamentary Chaos

The current turmoil in Serbia began months ago with protests against suspected corruption in construction contracts. This has evolved into the most serious challenge in years to President Aleksandar Vucic's decade-long populist rule.

The protests were sparked by the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad's central railway station in November 2022, killing 15 people. The incident fueled public anger over alleged government corruption and mismanagement, leading to daily protests and demands for transparency.

Protests Demand Transparency and Accountability

Protesters are demanding full transparency about the cause of the collapse and for anyone responsible to face justice. They have also called for the dissolution of the government and the resignation of President Vucic.

The government has conceded little to the protesters, declassifying some documents related to the collapse but refusing to release all renovation documents. This has fueled doubts over the investigation's independence and further angered the public.

Political Crisis Deepens in Serbia

The ongoing political crisis in Serbia shows no signs of abating. The opposition remains defiant, and the government shows little willingness to compromise. This impasse could have significant consequences for the country's stability and its relationship with the European Union.