(Reuters): Serbian opposition lawmakers staged a dramatic protest in parliament on Tuesday, throwing smoke grenades and using pepper spray in an effort to show their opposition to the government and demonstrate solidarity with student protests. The protests were sparked by the deaths of 15 people in a train station collapse, and have grown into a broader movement against corruption and the government’s incompetence.

The protests, which have been ongoing for four months, have drawn the participation of teachers, farmers, and other dissident members of the current administration. The protests, seen as the largest challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic's ten-year rule to date, have led to widespread condemnation of the government's handling of the disaster and its lack of accountability.

The protests escalated during a legislative session when the agenda was passed by the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Opposition lawmakers were enraged by the approval, rushed to the speaker's stage, and began fighting with security guards. Amid the confusion, smoke grenades and pepper spray were utilized, and thick, multicolored smoke filled the room. These actions were broadcast live on television, creating a chaotic scene in a parliament that has seen violence before, particularly since the introduction of multi-party democracy in 1990.

President Vucic condemned the actions of the opposition, calling their behavior “hooliganism.” He emphasized that the authorities would hold accountable all deputies involved in the disturbances, which resulted in significant disorder. Parliamentary deputies have legal immunity, but if they commit major crimes, they can be taken away, and they may face legal repercussions.

When one of the parliamentarians, Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, had a stroke amid the confusion, the demonstration got even more heated. She was immediately hospitalized, and her condition was reported to be serious by Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar. In total, three lawmakers were injured during the disruptions. Meanwhile, the legislative session continued, with members of the ruling coalition attempting to debate, while opposition lawmakers whistled and blew horns to drown out their voices.

The opposition lawmakers also displayed signs demanding a "general strike" and "justice for those killed" in reference to the victims of the train station collapse in Novi Sad last November. Outside the parliament building, hundreds of protesters gathered in silence to honor the deceased, further intensifying the pressure on the government.

Continuing evidence of the opposition's intention to stage a mass gathering in Belgrade on March 15 will be the protests. Opposition leaders have criticized the administration for inefficient handling of the unfortunate event and its apathy to the general issues concerning corruption, which, among other procedures, attracts attention from these protests.

In response to the demonstrations, the ruling coalition has said that Western intelligence services are to blame for the unrest and are helping the opposition overthrow the government and destabilize Serbia. Despite these claims, the protests are still growing in number, and the opposition is calling for significant political change.

Radomir Lazovic of the opposition Green-Left Front has suggested the formation of a transitional government that would oversee free and fair elections. However, President Vucic and his allies have firmly rejected the demand, insisting that they will not allow any changes to the current governance structure.

The parliamentary session had been expected to pass a law increasing funds for universities, a key demand of the student protesters. However, opposition lawmakers were angered by the inclusion of other items on the agenda, including a proposal related to the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. The opposition and the ruling coalition became even more tense as a result.

The meeting was adjourned in spite of the disruptions and is set to reconvene on Wednesday. The ongoing turmoil demonstrates Serbia's widening political rift as the incumbent administration defends its policies and brushes off the protests as being directed by other forces, while the opposition tries to take advantage of popular dissatisfaction.

That has been made all too clear by events in parliament on Tuesday regarding growing dissatisfaction with Serbia's political environment. And the opposition translates much of this great deal of frustration among many Serbians into anger against the administration and the government for handling issues that are internal, for example, the very horrible train accident. The protests show that the opposition will not relent even when the government does not yield.

This was a comment made by political consultant Radivoje Grujic during the session that the ruling coalition was thwarted in its attempts at establishing control, and there are prospects that matters could worsen further. This time, as obvious as it is in parliament, these scenes resonate with the political instability in Serbia, along with increased momentum by opposition movements and rallies.

It peeks into public interest as well as captures an international audience since it is now turning again to the rift between the government and opposition. Even with whiffs of an uncertain future, it is highly clear that protests would not be called off anytime soon, though there were blowing horns of demands for political reforms and justice.

This is of much importance for the Serbian political landscape as well as for the opposition by demanding a transitional government while there is little willingness on the part of the ruling coalition to lay down its power altogether. Whether the government can remain in power or whether these protests lead to any significant political reforms will be determined over the course of the next few days. 

It is anticipated that the March 15 march in Belgrade will highlight the escalating political turmoil even further. Serbia's political future is still uncertain as tensions continue to grow, with the ruling coalition standing firm and the opposition refusing to back down.

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