The Viennese government is wary: Climate activists around the organization “Last Generation” are planning “a wave” of disruptive actions in the federal capital for the coming week. The focus is on maintaining different lanes to paralyze traffic as much as possible, according to a spokesperson. Demonstrators will also arrive from other states.
In Vienna, the “Last Generation” now numbers about 30 people. Another 100 participated in individual actions or are planning to do so, the spokesperson said.
Police warn: “Extremist tendencies”
Viennese police chief Gerhard Pürstl warned of increasing extremist tendencies. “There are clear elements of extremism among some activists,” he said. This applies to committing criminal offenses, not only pasting on paintings and pouring on them, which “comes into the realm of property damage”, but also loosening wheel nuts or deflating the tires of SUVs.
Attacks on climate glue
The activists have been sticking to the roads for about a year, especially in Vienna, but also in Graz, Linz and Innsbruck. There were actions on the Belt, on the Ring and on the Praterstern. Incidents also occurred: on October 24, 2022, a man from the blocked cars attacked a participant, snatched a banner from her hand and hit her in the face with it.
Attempt to disrupt the New Year’s concert
There has also been an attack on a work of art in Austria. In November, the famous painting “Death and Life” by Gustav Klimt, which was protected by glass, was covered with oil paint in Vienna’s Leopold Museum. One of the activists also put his hand on the protective glass. An attempt to disrupt the New Year’s concert of the Vienna Philharmonic was prevented by the police.
“No Popularity Contest”
The group is aware that their actions are also met with rejection, but the climate protest is “not a popularity contest”, but there is always encouragement at the protests.
Co-founder Martha Krumpeck has already served an alternative prison sentence imposed on her for repeated traffic blocks.
Source: Krone
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