Vienna protests: massive resistance to FPÖ government participation

Vienna protests: massive resistance to FPÖ government participation

thousands of people recently protested in Vienna against a possible government participation in the right FPÖ. The activist Stefanie Stankovic expressed her disgust about the presence of right -wing radical fascists in Austria. The demonstration train that moved through the city center ended in front of the parliament. The organizers spoke of around 25,000 participants, while the police did not announce any official figures.

The demonstrators carried signs with messages such as "No coalition with Nazis". FPÖ boss Herbert Kickl was a poster as a puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin to point out the politician's wreath-friendly views.

The FPÖ recently won the parliamentary election in Austria, which led to mixed reactions. While almost all other parties reject a coalition with the right -wing populists, the conservative ÖVP under the previous Chancellor Karl Nehammer does not complete a collaboration. However, she provides a condition that Kickl should not take over government responsibility. Kickl, on the other hand, claims the Chancellery.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen begins with the party leader on Friday to explore possible coalitions. If the agreement fails between the ÖVP and FPÖ, a coalition between the ÖVP and SPÖ or even with the liberal neos could arise.

These protests mark an important moment in the political landscape of Austria and give an insight into the mood of citizens towards potential government participations with controversial parties.

Source: www.zeit.de