Serbian opposition lawmakers threw smoke grenades and tear gas inside parliament on Tuesday in a dramatic display of dissent against the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The move comes as protests that began four months ago over a deadly train station roof collapse have grown into one of the largest anti-government movements in years.

According to Reuters, the chaos erupted after the parliamentary session approved the agenda, which included increasing funds for universities—one of the key demands of the student-led protests. Some opposition politicians stormed the speaker’s podium, clashing with security guards, while others set off smoke grenades and tear gas, filling the chamber with black and pink smoke.

Speaker Ana Brnabic stated that two lawmakers were injured, including Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, who suffered a stroke and remains in critical condition. Despite the disruption, Brnabic affirmed that “parliament will continue to work and defend Serbia.”

Four Months of Unrest Following Deadly Roof Collapse

The protests began on November 1, 2024, when the concrete awning of a recently renovated railway station in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 15 people. Opposition leaders and citizens blamed the disaster on government corruption and nepotism, alleging that substandard construction work led to the fatal collapse. The government has denied these claims.

In response to public outrage, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, along with the ministers responsible for construction and trade, resigned. Authorities arrested 11 individuals, including a former minister, on charges related to public safety violations. However, protesters dismissed these actions as insufficient and continued their demonstrations.

A drone view shows students and opposition supporters lighting up their mobile phone lights as they hold 15 minutes of silence during a protest over the fatal November 2024 Novi Sad railway station roof collapse, in Nis, Serbia March 1, 2025. REUTERS/Djordje Kojadinovic

Student-Led Protests Shake the Government

Initially led by university students, the movement has since drawn tens of thousands of people, including teachers, lawyers, and workers. Protesters have occupied university buildings, blocked highways, and organized mass rallies across Serbia. Their main demands include:

  • Full transparency regarding the Novi Sad roof collapse
  • Justice for those responsible
  • The release of arrested demonstrators
  • Increased funding for higher education

Demonstrators observe 15 minutes of silence in the memory of the victims of the fatal November 2024 Novi Sad railway station roof collapse, during a protest in Nis, Serbia March 1, 2025. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov

Despite President Aleksandar Vucic’s claims that he has addressed these demands, the protests continue. Students, who operate under a decentralized leadership structure, have made it difficult for the government to single out organizers. Many now see this movement as the most significant challenge to Vucic’s rule since his party came to power in 2012.

Opposition Escalation and Political Fallout

Tuesday’s smoke grenade incident marks a significant escalation in the opposition’s response to the crisis. Parliament was also scheduled to formally acknowledge Prime Minister Vucevic’s resignation, but tensions flared when ruling coalition lawmakers introduced additional agenda items that angered the opposition.