Amid ongoing struggles against corruption in Serbia, a grassroots movement led by university students has gained momentum, challenging a political landscape dominated by allegations of deceit and malfeasance. As the nation grapples with the legacy of former President Aleksandar Vucic, these passionate youths are stepping forward with concrete plans aimed at restoring integrity to governance, indicating a pivotal shift in public sentiment. Their recent protests not only reflect dissatisfaction with current leadership but also illuminate the urgent demand for systemic reform in the face of entrenched corruption.
Thousands of people have rallied in the Serbian city of Novi Sad, as university students who have led more than a year of mass demonstrations pledged to continue fighting against endemic corruption during the tenure of right-wing nationalist President Aleksandar Vucic. Protesters, chanting “thieves,” accused the government of rampant corruption. University students told the crowd on Saturday that they had drawn up a plan on how to rid Serbia of corruption and restore the rule of law. They proposed banning corrupt officials from politics and investigating their wealth as first steps for a post-Vucic government.
The protest was dubbed “What victory will mean.” Last month, students said they had collected about 400,000 signatures in support of their election bid. The next protest rally is planned for January 27 in the Serbian capital of Belgrade, according to organizers.
Regular student-led protests have gripped Serbia since a November 2024 train station disaster in the northern city that killed 16 people, becoming a symbol of entrenched corruption. Thirteen people, including former Construction Minister Goran Vesic, were charged in a criminal case over the collapse. However, the Novi Sad High Court dropped the charges against Vesic last month, citing a lack of evidence. A separate anticorruption inquiry continues alongside a European Union-backed investigation into the possible misuse of EU funds in the project.
Tens of thousands of people marked the first anniversary of the train station roof collapse in Novi Sad in November, observing 16 minutes of silence for the 16 victims of the tragedy. The protests over the station’s collapse have resulted in the resignation of the prime minister, the fall of his government, and the formation of a new one. Yet, Vucic has remained defiantly in office, continuing to deny accusations of corruption.
The president frequently labels demonstrators as foreign-funded coup plotters, while members of his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have pushed conspiracy theories, suggesting that the train station roof collapse may have been an orchestrated attack. Vucic has resisted calls for immediate early elections as demanded by students, leading to hundreds of detentions, job losses, and political pressure against government opponents.
Having come to power over a decade ago with a pledge to bring Serbia into the European Union, Vucic has since established stronger ties with Russia and China. Simultaneously, he faces accusations of limiting democratic freedoms and facilitating an environment rife with corruption and organized crime. The student movement has garnered significant support from Serbs who feel disillusioned with mainstream politicians. Vucic has accused the students of acting on unspecified Western orders aimed at “destroying Serbia.”
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