politics

March 23, 2026

Reporting on the number of citizens at the SNS rally, like in the joke about a 15-liter canister that holds 30: How many people were in the Arena on Saturday?

The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced on Saturday, March 21, that around 70,000 citizens were present at the Serbian Progressive Party rally in and around the Belgrade Arena. According to the statement, 32,000 people were present in the arena itself, while around 38,000 citizens were in the immediate vicinity, along with around 2,000 motorcyclists – bikers.

Reporting on the number of citizens at the SNS rally, like in the joke about a 15-liter canister that holds 30: How many people were in the Arena on Saturday?

TL;DR

  • The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated around 70,000 people attended a Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) rally, with 32,000 inside the Belgrade Arena and 38,000 outside.
  • Opposition representatives dismissed the official figures, expressing more trust in their own observations and citing the Ministry's tendency to underestimate numbers at opposition-aligned gatherings.
  • Opposition members alleged that people were pressured, bribed, or even threatened with job loss to attend the SNS rally.
  • The decision to hold the rally indoors was interpreted by some as a sign that the SNS lacks sufficient public support to fill an outdoor space.
  • Critics pointed out inconsistencies in the reported numbers, questioning the logistics and evidence for such a large outdoor crowd, suggesting it was an attempt to create a false impression of support.
  • The rally was seen by some as a sign of the current government's instability and desperation, especially in light of upcoming local elections.

Continue reading the original article

Made withNostr