NOVI SAD – On Saturday, thousands gathered in Serbia as university students unveiled a renewed effort to challenge President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration. This marks the latest development in the ongoing protests that have posed significant pressure on his government over the past year.

During the rally in Novi Sad, demonstrators accused the administration of widespread corruption, chanting “thieves.” They linked this corruption to a tragic train station incident in November 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities and ignited a nationwide demand for reform.

Despite calls for an early election from the student-led movement, Vucic has declined to comply. Meanwhile, numerous individuals opposing the government have faced detentions, job losses, or other forms of pressure.

Addressing the crowd, university students announced a shift from protest to proposing solutions. They suggested initiating investigations into the wealth of corrupt officials and barring them from political participation as initial measures to tackle corruption.

The event, titled “What Victory Will Mean,” follows a campaign where students claimed to have gathered approximately 400,000 signatures in support of their electoral ambitions last month.

Vucic, who ascended to power over ten years ago with promises of guiding Serbia into the European Union, has instead strengthened alliances with Russia and China. His tenure has been marred by allegations of reducing democratic freedoms and fostering an environment conducive to corruption and organized crime.

The student movement has garnered big support among Serbs who are largely disillusioned with mainstream politicians. Vucic has accused the students of working under unspecified Western orders to “destroy Serbia.”