Serbian opposition lawmakers unleashed smoke grenades and pepper spray inside parliament on Tuesday in a dramatic demonstration against the government, escalating months of student-led protests. Amid the turmoil, a ruling party legislator suffered a stroke and was hospitalized.

The unrest comes as student protests—initially sparked by the deaths of 15 people in a railway station roof collapse—have evolved into the most significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vučić’s decade-long rule. The movement, now backed by teachers, farmers, and other groups, is driven by widespread anger over alleged government corruption and incompetence.

During the legislative session, tensions flared after the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) coalition approved the agenda. Opposition lawmakers stormed the speaker’s podium, clashing with security guards. Moments later, smoke grenades and pepper spray filled the chamber with thick clouds of black and pink smoke, forcing some lawmakers to flee. The chaos was captured live on television, marking yet another violent episode in Serbia’s often-turbulent parliamentary history since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1990.

President Vučić swiftly condemned the disruption, calling it “hooliganism” and warning that authorities would hold the involved lawmakers accountable. Although Serbian law grants parliamentary members immunity, it can be revoked if serious crimes are committed.

Parliamentary Speaker Ana Brnabić confirmed that three lawmakers were injured, and SNS legislator Jasmina Obradović suffered a stroke amid the commotion. Health Minister Zlatibor Lončar later stated that Obradović remained in serious condition.

Despite the mayhem, ruling coalition lawmakers pressed on with the session, while opposition members blew whistles, sounded horns, and held up signs reading “General Strike” and “Justice for Those Killed”—a direct reference to the victims of the Novi Sad station collapse in November.

Outside the parliament building, hundreds of protesters stood in silence to honor those who lost their lives. Protest leaders have called for a massive rally in Belgrade on March 15, signaling further escalation in the standoff between the opposition and Vučić’s government.