Thousands of protesters took to the streets across Serbia on Saturday as university students announced a new phase in their long-running movement against corruption and President Aleksandar Vučić’s rule. The demonstrations, led largely by students, have continued for over a year and represent one of the most sustained challenges to Vučić’s government in more than a decade.
In the northern city of Novi Sad, protesters chanted “thieves,” accusing the government of widespread corruption. Demonstrators linked systemic graft to the deadly November 2024 train station disaster that killed 16 people — an incident that became a catalyst for nationwide protests demanding accountability and political reform.
Students addressing the rally said the movement would now go beyond street protests and present a concrete roadmap to “rid Serbia of corruption and restore the rule of law.” Among their proposals were banning corrupt officials from holding public office and launching investigations into the wealth of politicians under a future, post-Vučić government.
President Vučić has so far refused to call the early elections demanded by protesters. Activists claim that hundreds of people have been detained, lost their jobs, or faced institutional pressure for openly opposing the government.
The protest, titled “What Victory Will Mean,” followed claims by student organizers that they have gathered nearly 400,000 signatures in support of early elections. A larger demonstration has been announced for January 27 in Belgrade.
Vučić, who came to power over a decade ago promising closer integration with the European Union, has since drawn criticism for tightening control over institutions, limiting democratic freedoms, and strengthening ties with Russia and China. He has dismissed the student-led protests as being driven by unspecified Western forces seeking to “destroy Serbia.”
Despite government pushback, the movement continues to gain traction among citizens disillusioned with mainstream politics, positioning students as a central force in Serbia’s growing demand for political change.