Thousands rally in Serbia as students vow to lead on fight against corruption

Thousands of people have rallied in Serbia as university students announced a new stage in their struggle against President Aleksandar Vucic’s government after leading more than a year of mass demonstrations that shook his autocratic rule in the Balkan country. Protesters in Novi Sad on Saturday accused the government of rampant corruption that they believe also led to a November 2024 train station disaster in the northern city that killed 16 people and triggered the nationwide anti-government movement. Vucic has refused to schedule an immediate early election that students have demanded. Hundreds of people have been detained or reported losing their jobs or facing pressure for opposing the government.