Serbia Sees Large Student Protests Against Corruption

Thousands of people gathered in Novi Sad, a city in Serbia, on Saturday as university students continued their nearly year-long protests against corruption. The protesters, who have been calling for an end to endemic corruption during President Aleksandar Vucic’s tenure, chanted slogans and accused the government of widespread corruption.

University students presented a plan to address corruption, which included banning corrupt officials from politics and investigating their wealth. They also announced plans for a post-Vucic government, with the next protest rally scheduled for January 27 in Belgrade. The protests began after a train station disaster in November 2024, which killed 16 people. Thirteen individuals, including former Construction Minister Goran Vesic, were charged in connection with the collapse.

The Novi Sad High Court dropped charges against Vesic last month due to lack of evidence. A separate investigation is ongoing alongside a European Union-backed inquiry into possible misuse of EU funds. The protests have led to the resignation of the prime minister and the fall of his government, but Vucic remains in office.

Vucic has denied corruption allegations and labelled demonstrators as foreign-funded coup plotters. He has refused to schedule an early election, despite student demands. Hundreds of people have been detained or lost their jobs due to opposing the government. The student movement has gained support among Serbs who are disillusioned with mainstream politicians.

The protests were part of a larger effort by students to address corruption and restore the rule of law in Serbia. The next rally is planned for January 27, and organizers have collected over 400,000 signatures in support of their election bid.

Source: Al Jazeera