Peaceful protest at Heldenplatz: Vienna police ensure security

Peaceful protest at Heldenplatz: Vienna police ensure security

Last Saturday, the first shopping Saturday of the Christmas season, over 1,000 people gathered for a demonstration at Heldenplatz in Vienna. The demonstrators protested loudly against Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen's decision not to commission the FPÖ, under the leadership of Herbert Kickl, to form a government. Initially, a larger march across the ring was planned, but the Vienna police prohibited this project due to the expected traffic disruptions vienna.at reported. Instead, the participants were allowed to hold a stand rally.

Things developed quickly as some participants caused blockages on the ring. How meinkreis.at as noted, identity checks revealed several knives and a blank gun. An identity check of over 400 people was carried out by the police and they received reports. Despite the heavy police presence, there were no major clashes, although the officers were also prepared with water cannons for a possible escalation. The meetings at Helm Platz were initially peaceful, but were followed by several spontaneous gatherings after the approved rally was dissolved.

Police found that the measures were effective in maintaining public order and were able to avoid major clashes between protesters with opposing political views. While the FPÖ critics loudly expressed their opinions on the square, public security did not fall into chaos, but remained under control thanks to the police operation. Concerns about possible traffic chaos and economic losses therefore remain unfounded, even if the discontent among the protesters is still present.