Serbia’s parliament witnessed an extraordinary session on Tuesday as opposition lawmakers disrupted proceedings with smoke bombs and physical confrontations. A black banner reading “Serbia has risen to bring down the regime” was displayed. Opposition figure Radomir Lazovic acknowledged the opposition’s intention to continue its resistance through protests and legal means. The turmoil was ignited when the ruling majority refused to amend the session’s agenda to address the prime minister’s resignation and education law reform. Assembly Speaker Ana Brnabic refused to halt the proceedings, characterizing the opposition as a “terrorist gang.” Some lawmakers were injured, including Jasmina Obradovic, who is in a life-threatening condition after suffering a stroke and is eight months pregnant. The prosecutor’s office is investigating the use of pyrotechnics in the chamber, to which the Green-Left Front has admitted responsibility. The Serbian parliament is no stranger to disputes, including watermelon being thrown, but this instance marks the first use of smoke bombs. Journalist Mira Nikolic places responsibility for the parliamentary dysfunction on Speaker Ana Brnabic. Political scientist Cvijetin Milivojevic likens the situation to a “creeping coup d’etat.” Students, who have been leading protests separately over the government’s handling of their demands, have distanced themselves from the violence in parliament. Uncertainty looms over whether the opposition’s strategy of intensifying protests, including a general strike planned for Friday, will yield results. However, political analyst Milivojevic believes the government ultimately benefits from this situation.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/serbia-what-next-after-tuesday%C2%B4s-parliamentary-chaos/a-71833780?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf