The first anniversary is being celebrated this weekend in Vienna’s last protest camp, but only a handful of squatters feel like celebrating. The next evacuation is already being prepared behind the scenes.
Was it the sultry late summer heat, possible dehydration from demonstrating or even the influence of other substances? Exactly one year ago, after a “Fridays for Future” demo, some participants made their way to the city on the Danube to pitch their tents in a park – losing all sympathy for charity with shady actions.
But first and foremost: just two days after the “sit-in”, several construction sites in the city street in the area were occupied. Illegal of course. The names of the protest sites were also always seriously misleading. The Lobau is about four kilometers south of here. But the self-proclaimed climate defenders don’t take it so seriously.
People don’t really understand
Then traffic councilor Ulli Sima is harassed as a “false city councillor” or Mayor Michael Ludwig (both SPÖ) is immortalized with a bust as “Betonmichi”. Attempts have been made repeatedly to draw parallels with the occupation of the Hainburger Au. Although, according to a survey by market agents, more than 60 percent of Vienna thinks the temporary end of the Lobau tunnel is bad. Even a hole in the ground sauna to relax from the hard daily life of the protest, your own theater and countless building parties during lockdown times did not really promote understanding among the population.
Two police evictions later, the only legally registered protest camp in Anfanggasse has become the last place to hold out. The one-year anniversary was celebrated there this weekend. While a lot is being built next door in the city street. Incidentally, the six-monthly occupation of the construction sites had no effect whatsoever on the city’s most important transport project in recent years.
The next eviction is just around the corner
But the clouds in the protest sky are getting darker. Another eviction threatens, this time probably the last. Although the “meeting” is still announced until September 30, the city of Vienna as the owner of the property has finally had enough. According to MA 42, the trees on the site must be regularly checked and cared for by experts for safety reasons. However, this has not been possible for months. There would also have been a rat infestation on the property.
According to the Vienna police, the activists were given until September 5 to clear the space to carry out the work. The first birthday is also the last.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
