After Terror Threats: Vienna Opera Ball with Strictest Security Measures in Years
The 67th Vienna Opera Ball on Thursday leads to an extensive police operation. In light of the recent terror threats circulating on the internet against Vienna balls, a "comprehensive security concept adapted to the potential threat situation" was developed in close coordination with the State Opera, according to the Vienna police on Wednesday. Three demonstrations in the city center have been registered for Thursday.
Police in large-scale operation at Vienna Opera Ball
Among the 5,150 guests are the Austrian head of state, with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP). Both uniformed and plainclothes police officers will be deployed. Ball guests will be searched upon entering the venue, including their clothing and carried bags. If someone refuses, the police can deny entry to the opera. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) and State Police President Gerhard Pürstl will get an overview of the security measures in the opera on Thursday morning, where search dogs will also be used.
Three demonstrations against Opera Ball in Vienna city center
The three registered assemblies before the Opera Ball will mostly take place in the city center. The "Demonstration against the Opera Ball 2025" leads from Keplerplatz via Laxenburger Straße, Favoritenstraße, and Wiedner Hauptstraße to Kärntner Straße. The rally "Fair Distribution: Wealth for All!" leads from Ballhausplatz via Michaelerplatz, Kohlmarkt, Graben, and Neuen Markt to Helmut-Zilk-Platz, where the final rally will take place. The static rally "The Rich Dance - We Protest Against the Unfair Distribution" will be held at Albertinaplatz, informed the police.
Street closures likely from 6:00 PM
For individual traffic, partial street closures are likely from 6:00 PM. Affected are Operngasse between Albertinaplatz and Opernring, Kärntner Straße between Lothringerstraße and Opernring, and the Ring between Johannesgasse and Operngasse. Furthermore, there will be temporary traffic closures and diversions in the assembly areas as well as on all adjacent streets. Drivers should expect short-term detours. The police recommended bypassing the inner-city area on a large scale.
There will also be restrictions on public transport. From 7:00 PM, tram lines on the Ring will be diverted or shortened. The ÖAMTC also recommends using the subways.
(APA/Red)
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