Activists of the last generation will try in a new “wave” from Monday to disrupt daily morning traffic in Vienna. But this time, the actions are scheduled in two weeks. “We are more than enough people,” said a spokesman for the protesters. The NGO did not want to announce whether there will also be an action at the Opera Ball.
The actions, in particular in which roads are blocked by the demonstrators who stay together, last for two weeks this time. The beginning of the “wave” was announced in advance by the last generation: the meeting point is therefore on February 13 at 8 am at the Secession. The goal of the public action is to get so many private individuals to join the protest that it is no longer necessary to cling yourself to stop traffic, an APA spokesman said. This has already worked in other cities.
Interrupt early traffic with targeted roadblocks
It will continue after the public start. The activists plan to disrupt early traffic with targeted roadblocks that remain secret in advance. According to their own statements, the last generation currently numbers about 100 people who have completed a corresponding training module to be able to stay on the street. “60 to 70 of them will be present at the actions,” said the spokesperson. In addition, there are another 300 sympathizers. “The influx is huge.”
The actions of the last generation usually result in administrative fines, which the activists immediately object to – with the aim of invoking the climate emergency in a court of law. A first corresponding hearing will take place on March 15 in Linz.
The Last Generation is an association of activists with the aim of getting more political measures against the climate crisis through citizen protests. “We are the first generation to feel the impact of the climate crisis – and at the same time the last generation that can still do something,” is the group’s own definition.
Attempt to disrupt the New Year’s concert could be prevented
The protesters’ main form of protest, following the example of the English group Just Stop Oil, has been sticking to the road to halt traffic at critical points. In November 2022, the famous painting “Death and Life” by Gustav Klimt in the Leopold Museum in Vienna, which was protected by glass, was also covered with black paint. An attempt to disrupt the New Year’s concert of the Vienna Philharmonic was prevented by the police.
Actions were met with strong rejection by the population
In Austria, the actions are highly controversial and for the most part meet strong rejection from the general public and politicians. In January, 52 arrests were made and more than 200 reports were filed for the multi-day traffic jam campaigns. There were 850 police officers present.
Source: Krone
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