At least three Serbian lawmakers injured as smoke bombs and flares thrown in parliament

A chaotic incident occurred in the Serbian Parliament, resulting in injuries to at least three members of parliament, one of whom was seriously injured. It is reported that smoke bombs and flares were thrown during the parliamentary session, causing widespread chaos at the scene. The incident underscores growing political tensions within the country.

The parliamentarians were originally scheduled to vote on a bill to increase funding for university education. However, the opposition insisted that the session was illegitimate and demanded that Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and his government's resignation be confirmed first. This disagreement highlights the deep divisions within the Serbian political landscape.

The parliamentary chaos began approximately one hour after the start of Tuesday's session. The opposition blew whistles and held up banners reading "Serbia has risen, the regime will fall!". Officials later stated that three people were injured in the unrest. Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić accused the opposition of being a "terrorist group" and claimed that one of the injured parliamentarians was seriously wounded, further escalating the conflict.

This incident reflects the deep political crisis engulfing the Balkan nation of Serbia. For months, anti-corruption protests have been shaking the populist government. Vučević resigned in January of this year, following the collapse of a concrete canopy in northern Serbia in November of last year, which resulted in 15 deaths. Critics attributed this collapse to rampant corruption, sparking large-scale protests and calls for accountability.

Parliament must confirm the Prime Minister's resignation for it to take effect. The opposition has consistently maintained that the current government has no right to pass new laws. Currently, the political situation in Serbia remains tense, and the future direction remains uncertain. The stability of the government and the potential for further unrest are key concerns.