06 Jan 2025 | 06:23 PM UTC
Austria: Activists likely to demonstrate nationwide through at least mid-January
Activists likely to protest across Austria through at least mid-January. Heightened security, localized transport disruptions possible.
Activist groups will likely protest across Austria through at least mid-January after Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen requested that Herbert Kickl, head of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), form a governing coalition. Approximately 500 hundred demonstrators denouncing a potential FPO-led government, as well as a separate group of FPO supporters, gathered at the Hofburg in Vienna on Jan. 6 in response to the announcement; the demonstration passed without incident. Activists also plan to protest at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna from 1800 Jan. 9 to denounce the potential FPO-led government.
Protests are most likely in major cities. Law enforcement officers will almost certainly deploy near any such demonstrations that may materialize. Localized transport disruptions are possible. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators and police, or among activists from rival political camps cannot be ruled out.
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations near potential demonstration locations. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
