A far-right march in central Vienna is expected to draw protesters from Austria and abroad. Here’s what to know about the route, counter-rallies and likely transport disruptions.
Far-right extremists from Austria and abroad are expected to march through Vienna’s city centre on Saturday afternoon, with multiple counter-demonstrations and a large police presence also planned.
The march is being organised by the Identitarian Movement Austria (IBÖ), a group ***ociated with far-right and anti-immigration ideology. Authorities estimate around 500 participants, including supporters from Germany and France, may take part.
In previous years, figures from the youth wing of Germany’s AfD party and members of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) have attended. However, no specific political affiliations were confirmed for this year.
READ ALSO: New report reveals Austrian far-right FPÖ’s links to extremist networks
The march is scheduled between 1pm and 9pm. It will follow a central route beginning at Karl-Lueger-Platz and proceeding via Wollzeile, Stephansplatz, Graben, and Wipplingerstraße to Am Gestade, where a final rally is expected.
According to Der Standard, the event is once again drawing criticism due to the presence of neo-Nazis and hooligans in the Identitarian groups. The Vienna police said all state security concerns are being monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (LSE).
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Counter-demonstrations and street party planned
Left-wing and anti-racist groups are organising a broad response. The Communist Youth will hold a march under the slogan “Against fascist resurgence,” running from 3 pm to 6 pm along the Ringstr***e from Heldenplatz to Börseplatz. Hundreds of participants are expected.
READ ALSO: How Austria’s far right is shaping its own news media landscape
Other registered counter-demonstrations include static protests under the banners “No Nazis in the city centre” and “Racism has no place in Vienna,” taking place from 2 pm to 9 pm at various locations including Stephansplatz, Riemerg***e, and Renng***e.
Police operation and transport disruptions
Vienna police have announced an extensive security operation for Saturday’s protests, involving uniformed units, undercover officers, and special forces. They warned of temporary road closures and traffic diversions across the city centre and urged the public to use public transport wherever possible.
Wiener Linien has confirmed that bus lines 1A, 2A and 3A will be suspended between 1 pm and 6 pm. Tram line 2 will be split and unable to operate between Volkstheater and Schwedenplatz from 2.30 pm to 6 pm.
READ ALSO: How much of a threat is Austria’s far-right Identitarian Movement?
Public transport schedules will be adjusted in real time depending on how the demonstrations unfold. P***engers are advised to monitor digital updates through the WienMobil app or station announcements, Vienna’s public transport company said.
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