The first “May action week” of the climate stickers of the last generation is over. Viennese police chief Gerhard Pürstl and chief of operations Xenia Zauner take stock – and a look into the future.
They probably want to block Vienna’s intersections and driveways every day in May. And so regularly drive commuters to a sweat. Or even maddening, as five drivers who reported attempted bodily harm this year prove. Police President Pürstl cannot advise vigilance: “Whoever becomes a mug will probably soon regret his outburst.” Namely because of a complaint.
Millions of dollars for taxpayers
There were already more than 600 against the climate activists this year. And yet you don’t want to override the current strategy. Neither among the climate protectors nor among the uniformed. Pürstl: “We have done very well with our strategy so far, there is no reason to change that.”
That is no fun for the police, because according to the president, the tapes consume a lot of human and financial resources. In total, more than two million euros will have been collected in 2023 (of which 550,000 euros through prick campaigns) through disruptive actions by climate activists. At the beginning of May, there are already more than 18,000 working hours on the account.
Climate protection yes – traffic chaos no
However, there are no plans to take a more rigorous approach – because police action is sometimes perceived as too lax on social media. The police understand climate protection, it is said. Still, at unplanned meetings, one cannot decide whether one thinks the topic is good or not, says Pürstl. If the road is spontaneously blocked, the police will not be able to divert traffic beforehand. If the file becomes too large, the action must be resolved.
One may continue to peck, the other may not
Like a few days ago on the Friedensbrücke and the Aspernbrücke. While traffic around the Aspernbrücke could be diverted relatively easily, the demonstrators could be left to peck. It took an hour to intervene. It was different on the Friedensbrücke, where diversions were not possible. That is also the reason why the climate stickers must be removed within 20 minutes at some locations, but not at others. According to the two top officials, the specially trained uniformed men also agree relatively peacefully with the demonstrators.
prognosis difficult
According to Xenia Zauner, nobody knows how the protests will continue in the future. Radicalization cannot be observed, at least not among the “last generation”. On May 15, things could get awkward again. Because the group “Extinction Rebellion” also announced their participation. By far more drastic means…
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
