Protests and ban on seating: Academic Ball divides Vienna again!

Protests and ban on seating: Academic Ball divides Vienna again!

On Friday evening, the Hofburg in Vienna will once again be the venue for the controversial Academic Ball, while outside left-wing groups are mobilizing massive protests. The police expect thousands of demonstrators to demonstrate against the event. For security reasons, there is a ban on seating around the Hofburg from 5 p.m. in order to avoid direct confrontations between demonstrators and ball guests. Motorists have to prepare for significant traffic delays, reports exxpress.at.

Massive security precautions and protest marches

The “Offensive Against the Right” has already called for a demonstration in which two to three thousand people are expected to take part. The demo procession begins in front of the Vienna Main University and leads along several central streets to Stephansplatz. The police will be present with several hundred officers to monitor the situation and prevent disruptions. “The event is not only celebrated, but also serves as a platform to promote negative social developments,” explains the spokeswoman for the Offensive Against the Right, Käthe Lichter. The former National Council President Walter Rosenkranz and other representatives of the FPÖ are also expected to be among the ball guests, which could further fuel the protests salzburg24.at reported.

There were repeated violent protests in the run-up to the event, which in the past were accompanied by damage to property and, in some cases, bloody clashes. The police are warning of traffic disruptions throughout the city center, so drivers should avoid large areas. The city is preparing for an evening of tension and uncertainty as both dancers and protesters gather in downtown Vienna.