# Serbian National Assembly brawl

On 4 March 2025, the Serbian National Assembly descended into chaos as opposition lawmakers disrupted a parliamentary session by deploying smoke bombs and flares. This unprecedented event resulted in injuries to at least three members of parliament (MPs), with one MP, Jasmina Obradović, suffering a stroke and being hospitalized in critical condition.

## Background

The turmoil within the parliament occurred against a backdrop of escalating political tensions in Serbia. Since November 2024, the nation has been gripped by widespread anti-corruption protests, ignited by the catastrophic collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which claimed 15 lives. The tragedy was widely attributed to systemic corruption and negligence, fueling public outrage and demands for governmental accountability.
In response to mounting pressure, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević tendered his resignation, prompting the scheduling of a parliamentary session to confirm his departure and address subsequent governmental proceedings. However, opposition parties accused the ruling majority of attempting to expedite other legislative decisions without proper oversight, further exacerbating existing tensions.

## Incident

During the parliamentary session, opposition MPs escalated their protest by igniting flares and deploying smoke bombs within the assembly hall. The chamber rapidly filled with smoke, leading to physical altercations between lawmakers. Video footage captured scenes of chaos, with MPs exchanging blows amidst the haze. Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) MP Žika Gojković hit the Social Democratic Party of Serbia MP Jasmina Karanac with a plastic bottle, according to a CCTV video circulating on social media.

## Aftermath

The immediate aftermath saw at least three MPs injured. Jasmina Obradović, a member of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), suffered a stroke amid the commotion and was rushed to the hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Another MP, Sonja Ilić, who is pregnant, was also among the injured.

### Reactions

The incident drew sharp condemnation from various political figures. Ana Brnabić, the Speaker of the National Assembly, labeled the opposition's actions as "terrorist" and called for accountability. She emphasized the severity of resorting to violence within the legislative body, underscoring the potential threats to democratic processes.
Prime Minister of Serbia Bratislav Gašić described those behind the brawl as a “disgrace to Serbia”.
President Aleksandar Vučić, facing ongoing criticism over alleged corruption and authoritarianism, denounced the violent disruption. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining order and called for dialogue to address the nation's challenges.

### Public response

Outside the parliament, public sentiment mirrored the unrest within. Demonstrators gathered, expressing solidarity with the opposition's grievances. Some protesters hurled eggs and water bottles at the parliament building, symbolizing their frustration with the current administration.
The incident has further polarized the Serbian populace, with citizens divided over the opposition's methods and the government's response to the ongoing crisis. The nation's aspirations for European Union membership hang in the balance as internal conflicts continue to challenge Serbia's political stability.

### International perspective

The international community has expressed concern over the developments in Serbia. Observers note that while the nation seeks closer ties with Western institutions, internal discord and allegations of corruption pose significant obstacles. The European Union and other international bodies are closely monitoring the situation, urging restraint and the pursuit of constructive dialogue to resolve the deepening crisis.