Climate activists clung to Vienna’s Ringstrasse on Friday morning. Result: long traffic jams. A spokesperson says such actions now have to take place several times a month. A team of eight decides when and where. They can cause a stalemate at any time.
Once it’s the band, then the grain market or the distribution circle. In the past, ecological groups have repeatedly occupied critical traffic points to demonstrate against environmental destruction. It was the Ringstrasse on Friday morning. Not far from the university, three activists pecked the asphalt with glue.
Even on window day, the result was clearly noticeable: drivers needed up to 25 minutes longer not only on the ring road, but also on the two-way line, according to the ARBÖ. It took the police an hour to get the tied people off the road. Actions like this should happen a lot more often in the future, several times a month, explains David Sonnenbaum of the Last Generation group.
The participants receive special training beforehand. There are fines on unannounced blocks. The more you do it, the more expensive it gets. Under the age of 18, parents need permission. Who decides where and when a route is closed and thus creates obstacles? “We have a team of eight people for this,” says Sonnenbaum.
Highways are taboo
Unlike in Germany, highways are taboo (also due to possible criminal consequences), but driveways and exits can become the target of the actions. However, one lane must always be left free for emergency vehicles.
How long will this continue? “Until the government stops destroying fossil fuels,” the environmentalist explains, listing some – partly saline – demands:
- Emergency economy instead of consuming more and more.
- No fracking (technology to create cracks in the rock), which could be used to produce natural gas in the Weinviertel.
- Ban on short flights.
Vienna City Hall policy seems overwhelmed. Municipal councilor for the environment Jürgen Czernohorszky (SPÖ) prefers not to say anything about the actions.
Mobility councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ) also does not want to comment on the blockades.
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.
