After threat from Standler – armed guards at press conference in town hall

The City Hall of Vienna is not the “White House” – it is quite easy to enter it. Press conferences are usually quite informal. Security personnel remain discreetly in the background, even when meeting the mayor – but the overly relaxed times are over. Four to five armed guards were appointed for the Christmas market meeting with alderman Peter Hanke, Chamber of Commerce chief Walter Ruck and councilor Markus Ornig (Neos). Serious look, pistol in holster, partly worn open and partly well hidden under the uniform jacket.

Stand assignment caused a dispute
Background: In the run-up to the allocation of the stand (one third fewer seats), a heated discussion ensued. A marketer who probably started up threatened an event manager and his family on the phone. In addition, strangers defaced the Vienna Marketing building in the 9th district with “death crosses”. A six-member jury ultimately decided who would get a lucrative place in front of the town hall.

Names of judges remain confidential
The names of the judges were kept secret. That caused a stench. Viennese Marketing Director Michael Draxler: “We stand for transparency, but cannot publish the names. There have already been threats and attacks. An entry and approach ban has been obtained against a former stable manager.” The city guard seems to be on the alert.