Austria: Activists plan demonstrations against the annual Akademikerball in central Vienna, Feb. 16

Protesters plan to gather in central Vienna, Feb. 16, to demonstrate against the annual Akademikerball. The ball will take place on the evening of Feb. 16 in the Hofburg. Left-wing groups denounce the ball as a right-wing event; this year there is added tension following anti-far-right demonstrations in recent weeks. Three separate demonstrations are planned, starting at 17:00: a march from Schottentor to Stephansplatz, and static protests in Neuer Markt and Lowelstrasse. Several thousand protesters are likely to take part, based on events in recent years.

Local authorities will likely close the ring road and other routes in the vicinity of the Hofburg throughout the evening, affecting tram services. Police will likely deploy in large numbers to the events. Road closures will likely cause localized travel disruptions. In previous years, protesters have clashed with police; scuffles cannot be ruled out.