Serbian Students Draft Anti-Corruption Plan After Year of Protests

Thousands gathered in Serbia's city of Novi Sad this weekend as university students unveiled something remarkable: a concrete plan to eliminate corruption and rebuild trust in their government.

The student-led movement began after a devastating tragedy in November 2024, when a train station roof collapsed and killed 16 people. What started as grief quickly transformed into a nationwide call for change, with protesters demanding accountability for years of mismanagement and corruption.

The students have spent months channeling their anger into action. They collected nearly 400,000 signatures supporting their cause and developed specific proposals including banning corrupt officials from politics and investigating suspicious wealth. Their Saturday rally was titled "What Victory Will Means," signaling their shift from protest to planning.

The movement has already achieved significant results. Their sustained demonstrations led to the resignation of a prime minister and the collapse of his government. Thirteen people, including a former minister, faced charges related to the train station disaster.

Young Serbians are showing other countries how peaceful persistence can drive real change. Rather than simply demanding others step down, they're offering detailed solutions and positioning themselves as future leaders. Their next major rally is scheduled for January 27 in Belgrade.

The movement has faced serious pushback. Hundreds of supporters have been detained, and some report losing jobs or facing pressure for participating. But the students continue organizing, researching, and building support across the country.

The Ripple Effect

This student movement represents something larger than one country's fight against corruption. Young people worldwide are watching Serbians demonstrate how sustained, organized civic action can challenge entrenched power. The students aren't just protesting, they're providing a roadmap that includes specific policy changes, accountability measures, and a vision for governance rooted in transparency.

Their approach combines moral clarity with practical planning. By honoring the 16 victims while simultaneously building concrete alternatives, they've maintained momentum for over a year without resorting to violence or giving up when progress seemed slow.

Serbian students are proving that democracy's next generation is ready to lead with both passion and preparation.