Thousands Protest Across Austria in Climate Strikes

Thousands Protest Across Austria in Climate Strikes

A Fridays for Future rally in Vienna. Photo: APA/Georg Hochmuth

 

Around 13,000 people joined a Fridays for Future march in Vienna, calling on political parties in this month’s elections to strengthen their climate protection plans.

Rallies were also held in Graz, Linz, and Klagenfurt.

“Climate protection saves lives,” said the Climate Protest Alliance, Global 2000 and Attac, the groups that organised the events. Fridays for Future’s three key demands for the next government are affordable and renewable energy, the expansion of climate-friendly transport, and the protection of soils and nature by curbing urban sprawl and halting road construction, along with promoting rewilding and greening initiatives.

In Graz, the protest was led by Fridays for Future organiser Michael Lieser, who attended dressed as Gandalf, the wizard from “The Lord of the Rings.”

In Linz, several hundred demonstrators marched from the main square through the city centre to the Volksgarten, where the closing rally, titled “End Fossil Fuels,” was held. Placards called for an end to the Westring (A26 motorway) and to gas drilling projects by the ADX company, as well as the preservation of Linz’s green belt. Speakers also warned that the Freedom Party (FPÖ), currently leading in the polls, would reverse climate protection measures if it came to power.

The largest protest took place in Vienna at Schwarzenbergplatz, with the march spanning around 1,200 metres along the Ring to Maria-Theresien-Platz. “Last weekend was a turning point in the lives of many affected people. It must also be a turning point for climate policy,” organisers said in a statement, referencing the recent flooding in Austria.

“It’s hypocritical to thank the emergency services, then turn around and carry on as before,” criticised Klara König, spokesperson for Fridays for Future Austria, directing her comments at the country’s political leaders.

Things were quieter in Klagenfurt, where the newly-formed group Parents for Future gathered at Arthur-Lemisch-Platz at 3pm. According to the group, it is made up of families concerned about their children’s future. Around 60 people attended the event.

“Today’s climate strike is overshadowed by the dramatic storms and flooding in Austria and Europe. In recent days, we have seen and experienced, more clearly than ever: the climate crisis is here,” Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler said on Friday.

The climate strike is set to continue on Saturday in Salzburg.

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