Thousands rallied in Novi Sad as university students launched a new phase of protests against President Aleksandar Vučić, continuing more than a year of demonstrations. Protesters blamed government corruption for a November 2024 train-station disaster that killed 16 people and demanded immediate elections. Students say they have gathered about 400,000 signatures and will present a plan to bar corrupt officials from office and investigate public figures' wealth. The next nationwide rally is scheduled for Jan. 27 in Belgrade.
Thousands Rally in Novi Sad as Students Launch New Phase of Anti-Corruption Protests
People attend a protest led by university students against corruption, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Thousands of people gathered Saturday in Novi Sad as university students announced a new phase of their campaign against President Aleksandar Vučić, extending more than a year of mass demonstrations that have challenged his increasingly autocratic rule.
People attend a protest led by university students, against corruption, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Protesters repeatedly chanted 'thieves' and accused the government of pervasive corruption. Many blamed authorities for a November 2024 train-station disaster in the northern city that killed 16 people and helped ignite the nationwide movement calling for change.
People attend a protest, led by university students, against corruption, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Students Map Out Next Steps
Speakers told the crowd that, after last year’s protests, students will now present a concrete plan to root out corruption and restore the rule of law. Their initial proposals include barring officials found to be corrupt from holding public office and conducting thorough investigations into the wealth of public figures as first steps for any post-Vučić administration.
People attend a protest led by university students against corruption, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Organizers said they have collected roughly 400,000 signatures in support of their push for immediate elections. The students say Vučić has refused to call the early vote they demand.
People attend a protest led by university students against corruption, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Repression and Public Support
Organizers and rights groups report that hundreds of demonstrators have been detained, and some citizens say they lost jobs or faced pressure for opposing the government. Despite risks, the student movement has drawn broad support from Serbs who say they are disillusioned with established politicians.
Vučić, who took power more than a decade ago promising to lead Serbia toward European Union membership, has in recent years strengthened ties with Russia and China. Critics accuse his administration of curtailing democratic freedoms and allowing corruption and organized crime to expand. Vučić has countered by accusing the students of acting on unspecified Western orders to 'destroy Serbia.'
Organizers said the next major rally is planned for Jan. 27 in Belgrade, the capital.
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