Activists disrupt OMV general meeting: Lawsuit against climate disorder!

Activists disrupt OMV general meeting: Lawsuit against climate disorder!

On May 27, 2025, the general meeting of the Austrian energy group OMV occurred loud protests of around 30 activists: inside. These interrupted the session with speeches and banners, on which slogans such as "Profit instead of the future = OMV business model" and "Stop Neptun Deep" could be read. The protesters came from Attac Austria, Greenpeace Romania, System Change and the OMV & Co. campaign. The activists addressed their criticism in particular against the company's fossil business activities, demanding: "Out of gas, out of oil".

The chairman of the supervisory board Lutz Feldmann tried to de -escalate the situation and asked the activists to step on the speaker in an orderly manner so as not to disturb the expiry of the session. Since these requests were ignored, Feldmann was forced to ask the protesters to leave the hall. Security forces had to intervene and some activists were carried out of the hall under the applause of the shareholders. Particularly aggressive scenes took place when a shareholder tore an activist on the hair.

reactions to the protest

The reactions to the peaceful protest did not fail to materialize. Francesca O’Brien from Attac Austria commented on the processes and drawn attention to the need to take climate protection seriously. The incident shows how much the topic of climate change has also reached the board of the large companies, but also remains an indication of the tensions between economic interests and climatic matters.

The protests such as the recent actions at OMV are part of a wider climatic practice, which has established themselves through groups such as Fridays for future, end terrain and extinction rebellion. These organizations use protests and campaigns to draw attention to the consequences of climate change and demand extensive political measures. Empirical analyzes have shown that such forms of protest, especially if public concern about climate change is low, can significantly influence perception and attitudes among the population.

climate change as a central topic

The climate debate has become increasingly important in recent years. With the increasing protest actions, climate change and the need for changes in the energy sector are increasingly moved into public perception. Studies show that peaceful protests and civil disobedience increase concerns about the consequences of climate change in the population.

The demands of the protesters are diverse and range from an immediate exit from fossil fuels to a complete switch to renewable energies. The growing climate -political tensions and the reactions on it clearly show how important this topic is today.

Overall, the events around the OMV general meeting illustrate the continuing conflicts between entrepreneurial interests and the demands for effective climate protection and a sustainable handling of the natural resources of this earth.

Further information on the protests and their social influence can be found in the analyzes of Ariadne project , which extensively illuminate the connection between climate change and social movement.