Chaos in Serbian Parliament as Opposition Protests

Serbia's parliament descended into chaos as opposition lawmakers deployed smoke grenades and flares to protest against the government's policies and support ongoing student demonstrations. The turmoil, which resulted in at least three injuries, including a lawmaker who suffered a stroke, marked a dramatic escalation in the student-led protests sparked by a deadly train station collapse last year. Opposition members disrupted the session intended to formalize the resignation of the Prime Minister and debate a new higher education bill. They argued the government's lack of legitimacy and demanded a transitional administration to ensure fair elections. The protests, which have persisted for months, signify the strongest challenge yet to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule, with accusations of corruption and mismanagement. The government has alternated between dismissing the protests as foreign-instigated and offering concessions to appease the demonstrators.