BELGRADE, May 6, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Serbian students leading anti-corruption protests on Monday announced a demand for immediate early elections, arguing that they are the only solution to the months-long political crisis.

The Balkan nation has been rocked by months of student-led protests sparked by the deaths of 16 people when a railway station roof collapsed in the northern city of Novi Sad in November.

Public outrage over the disaster -- widely seen as a symbol of deep-rooted corruption -- has fuelled the largest wave of unrest in Serbia since the 1990s, with regular mass protests and prolonged blockades of university faculties.

"We demand the immediate dissolution of the National Assembly and the calling of snap parliamentary elections," the protesting students wrote in a statement on Instagram.

The demand came just four days after trade unions joined the students in a mass protest on May 1.

Students previously demanded accountability for the tragedy, the prosecution of those who have attacked protesters, the dismissal of charges against arrested students, and an investigation into the alleged use of a sound cannon during a demonstration in March.

The protests have put mounting pressure on President Aleksandar Vucic's government, prompting the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including the prime minister.

Vucic has alternated between calls for dialogue and accusations that the students are attempting a "colour revolution".