Surge of Ads at FPÖ Demo in Vienna

Over 1,000 participants gathered on Saturday at a demonstration at Vienna's Heldenplatz. The demonstrators initially gathered at the Archduke Karl Equestrian Monument to express, among other things, their displeasure at the non-commissioning of the FPÖ for government negotiations by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Several spontaneous marches that started from Heldenplatz were disbanded by the police.

Over 1,000 Participants at Controversial Demo on Saturday in Vienna

The identities of over 400 people were established and they were also reported. As the LPD Vienna announced on X in the early afternoon, several knives and a blank-firing gun were found during person checks in the vicinity of the rally. The weapons were taken from the owners and confiscated.

In the afternoon, participants had gathered for spontaneous rallies at the Ring in front of the Parliament and at the height of the Deutschmeisterplatz. Both rallies were officially disbanded, a spokesman for the State Police Directorate confirmed to the APA. There were also identity checks. There were no arrests or assaults, it was said.

Demo Ban for FPÖ Supporters on Shopping Saturday

Originally, the organizers had planned a march around the Ring. However, this was prohibited by the State Police Directorate (LPD) Vienna because they expected traffic chaos and obstructions for the business people in the shopping streets on the first Christmas shopping Saturday. The organizers said on Friday that they wanted to take legal action against this. The Freedom Party also criticized the ban.

Therefore, a stationary rally was held on Saturday. The participants were equipped with cowbells, drums, and flags, including Austrian and various state flags, as well as Russian flags. "No Karli!" or "No to Sky Shield" could be read on homemade signs. In addition to "resistance", "Nehammer must go!" was also chanted.

Vienna Police in Major Operation

The Vienna police were on duty with several hundred officers to ensure public order and safety in Vienna's city center on this first Christmas shopping Saturday, the executive summarized in the evening: "The feared clash of demonstrations with opposing political positions could be avoided."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.