Thousands of students have taken to the streets in Serbia to protest against government corruption, with major demonstrations held in Novi Sad, the country’s second-largest city. Last Saturday, students blocked roads and bridges as part of an ongoing protest movement that began three months ago following a fatal roof collapse at a railway station. The protests are aimed at pressuring the government for accountability, with Saturday marking the latest in a series of large gatherings, according to AFP and Al Jazeera.

Led by university students, the protests have intensified pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration, resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and several high-ranking officials. Demonstrators are demanding accountability for those responsible for the railway station collapse, attributing the tragedy to government corruption and incompetence.

In the capital, Belgrade, a 24-hour student blockade of major roads forced the prime minister to resign last Tuesday. Prior to this, protests had already led to the closure of schools and businesses across the country. The unrest began in November when a railway station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 15 people. What started as outrage over the incident quickly evolved into a nationwide anti-corruption movement, with students playing a prominent role. Protesters consistently called for Prime Minister Vučević’s resignation.

During Saturday’s demonstration, as crowds gathered in the city center, Jelena Vuksanović, a philosophy student, declared, “There’s no turning back. We’re not afraid, and we won’t give up.” The protests caused significant traffic congestion in Novi Sad as thousands of students marched through the streets, waving flags and chanting anti-corruption slogans. They blocked roads and three major bridges, later assembling near Freedom Bridge. Farmers from surrounding areas also joined the protests, bringing their tractors in support of the students.

President Vučić and other government officials remain undecided about engaging in direct talks with the protesters, while suggesting that foreign influences may be behind the growing movement.