Thousands Rally in Novi Sad for Early Elections

Thousands of Serbs gathered in Novi Sad for a protest commemorating last year's tragedy at the train station, which also served as another demonstration against President Aleksandar Vucic's government.

Participants accuse state authorities of corruption, inadequate oversight of public projects and responsibility for the circumstances that, in their view, contributed to the accident that claimed 16 lives.

In recent months, the protest movement has grown into a nationwide campaign demanding early elections and sweeping political reforms.

At the same time, critics of the government allege election manipulation, pressure on the media and ties to organized crime. Vucic and his allies deny all allegations.

The president has acknowledged the possibility of early elections and has called on his supporters to gather in late June. The protests come at a time when Serbia is facing pressure from the European Union to strengthen the rule of law and combat corruption.

(Reuters, mja)