Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić called on ruling coalition lawmakers to stay in the assembly after the session to clean up the “chaos” caused by the opposition, who disrupted proceedings with smoke bombs and flares.
“I urge all MPs to remain in the assembly after today’s session and help clean up this mess. These women [cleaning staff] are not responsible for cleaning up your eggs, tear gas, and smoke bombs! We have been cleaning up after you for 12 years, and we will do so today as well!” Brnabić said.
Opposition lawmakers staged a protest inside the parliament chamber after the ruling majority approved the session’s agenda. Security personnel prevented them from approaching Brnabić, prompting them to ignite flares and throw smoke bombs.
Jovanov Accuses Opposition of Blocking Parliamentary Work
Milenko Jovanov, leader of the “Aleksandar Vučić – Serbia Must Not Stop” parliamentary group, accused the opposition of blocking parliament’s work to avoid meeting student demands, arguing that fulfilling them would render their protest meaningless.
“They have turned this institution into a battleground, much to the delight of Albin Kurti, whose tactics they are now copying. These people represent no one—the students, citizens, and even their own families have distanced themselves from them,” Jovanov said.
He claimed the opposition refused to add amendments to the Higher Education Law to the agenda, framing it as retaliation against those who do not support them. “They obstruct institutions, just as they blocked the prosecutor’s office in Novi Sad, which was investigating accountability for a collapsed canopy. They don’t want institutions to function or student demands to be met because if that happens, they become irrelevant,” he said.
Three Lawmakers Injured, Including One in Late Pregnancy
Brnabić reported that MP Sonja Ilić, who is eight months pregnant, suffered health complications due to the tear gas and smoke bombs used by opposition MPs.
“I want to inform you that Sonja Ilić, who is eight months pregnant, is in distress due to the tear gas and shock bombs. We are fighting to save both her and her baby. Are you proud of what you’ve done? Three women, including a pregnant MP, suffered injuries simply for having their own opinions!” Brnabić said.
She compared the opposition’s actions to “terrorist tactics,” saying, “You did this using Kurti’s methods—throwing shock bombs and tear gas into the National Assembly, the highest legislative body representing all Serbian citizens.”
Jovanov claimed that opposition MPs withdrew their request for a confidence vote against Brnabić after demanding the agenda be reduced to only the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and amendments to the Higher Education Law.
After the agenda was approved, opposition MPs threw smoke bombs and engaged in physical altercations, injuring three female lawmakers. They also doused Brnabić with water while she continued leading the session despite heavy smoke in the chamber.
Brnabić accused the opposition of attempting to seize power through violence rather than advocating for students, claiming they have become “heroes of Albin Kurti’s media in Pristina.”
“I hope you are satisfied. Kurti certainly is. You have become heroes of Pristina’s media, which only proves who fights for Serbia and who fights against it,” Brnabić stated.
She also alleged that opposition MP Marinika Tepić disrupted a ruling coalition lawmaker’s speech with a noisemaker, calling the opposition a “terrorist gang.”
MP Injured by Shock Bomb in Parliament Clash
Brnabić reported that MP Jasmina Karanac suffered severe injuries when struck in the head by a shock bomb during the unrest.
Additionally, MP Jasmina Obradović suffered a stroke after being exposed to the shock bombs thrown by opposition MPs and is now in critical condition. “She is fighting for her life because, instead of debating with words, you resorted to throwing shock bombs,” Brnabić said.
Despite the chaos, Finance Minister Siniša Mali proceeded with presenting key legislation, including a housing initiative offering low-interest mortgages for young people aged 20 to 35.
“Serbia is built through hard work, not destruction. This program will enable young people to buy their first homes with just a 1% down payment,” Mali said, adding that mortgage installments would be cheaper than rent.
Opposition lawmakers continued disrupting proceedings with vuvuzelas and whistles while parliament remained filled with smoke.
Vulin: ‘Only Kurti Rejoices at Such Scenes’
Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin condemned the opposition’s actions, suggesting that only Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti would welcome such disturbances.
“No one else takes joy in such scenes. But I do not blame you—you know no other way,” Vulin remarked, urging Serbian citizens to watch the events unfold in parliament.
Brnabić reassured the public that Serbia remains strong. “Serbia will prevail. You seek power through violence, but this parliament will continue working,” she declared.
After the agenda was approved, opposition MPs spread banners reading, “Serbia rises to overthrow the regime,” alongside Serbian flags. They continued their protest by throwing smoke bombs, leading to scuffles and disruption of proceedings.
As tensions escalate, Serbia’s parliament faces one of its most turbulent sessions in recent history, highlighting deep divisions between the ruling coalition and opposition forces.
