AUSTRIA: First rebellious demonstration against new government

The following is a documentation of an article published by austrian antifascists that we gladly share:

About 8000 people gave the protests against the new ÖVP/FPÖ government a lively and struggling first impulse. They participated in several demonstrations which joint together at the Heldenplatz for a big manifestation. Thousands expressed in a struggling way and also unanounced demonstrations, their justified anger. Paroles against fascism and exploitation like “Alerta, Alerta, Antifascista“ or “rebellion is justified – do not believe the lies of the exploiters!”, as well as paroles against the dismantlement of the educational system, deportations and against capitalism where shouted by the demonstrators. Many participants saw clear that in this struggle the direction must also targeted against the planned antidemocratic attacks by the ruling class. Especially young students brought their demands to the demonstration in a very lively way.

After the spontaneous demonstration was formed and moved in the direction of the Burgtheater, police arrested three demonstrators. Police also made preparations to encircle the demonstration, which was prevented due to the fact that the demonstration gathered more forces very quickly and the police was not able to concentrate enough forces. It was tried to disturb the police in arresting the demonstrators by the protesters. During this they shouted paroles against police and repression like “hole Vienna hates the police!” or “fire and flames for the repression – what we need is revolution!”.

It is a good thing that the protests against the FPÖ/ÖVP government started in such a lively and struggling way. After this first impulse it is important to carry on with this struggling attitude and to mirror it on the big demonstration on January the 13th and to use it to develop further joint actions. Only then a stable and consistent resistance can develop and prevent the protests to be stopped like a straw fire. Let us take up the initiative together with all who want to get active against the plans of the ruling class consequently.

Resistance against the ruling class is justified!

Forward with struggling antifascism!