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Some have not yet understood that they are being “ripped off” and “kicked in the buttocks” by a government because they are being offered a caricature of freedom for real freedom, he criticized lockdown and compulsory vaccination. He protested that one would also fight for those who would not “blame” it: “This is our form of solidarity.”
Kickl was convinced that there would be more every day who would oppose the measures. “Nine million, that’s us, even if one or the other still has to wait for his or her awakening experience.” The actions would go on until the government went “to the dogs”: “We can all make a contribution.”
Kickl counters Köstinger: “Just crap in the head”
Kickl was angry about the fact that “a woman Köstinger” (Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger, ÖVP, note) had let him know that there was blood on his hands. “Honestly, do you see anything? If you tell me that I have blood on your hands, I tell you that you only have bullshit on your head.” Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) and Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) were again dubbed “wannabe sergeants” and “Frankenstein”.
The government has a catastrophic current account, stated the chief blue. A strategy of “dehumanization” is being driven. “The government does pretty much anything wrong that can be done wrong. There can be no compromise between coercion and freedom.”
In addition to Kickl, other FPÖ representatives as well as active opponents of measures such as Martin Rutter took the floor. Then a protest march was scheduled on the ring. In addition to the FPÖ boss, the FPÖ National Council members Gerald Hauser and Michael Schnedlitz also climbed the podium.
Hauser was delighted that he could now say anything that would result in heckling or calls to order in parliament – for example when he spoke about the lies that would be circulating in connection with the compulsory vaccination. The vaccination does not help prevent deaths, he said. “I can speak freely here today,” said a satisfied Hauser.
The scenery at Heldenplatz corresponded to the meanwhile familiar picture. Numerous slogans on the banners, boards or stickers were dedicated to the mandatory vaccination – which the participants clearly rejected. “No to compulsory vaccination” was probably the most frequently read. The demand “hands off our children” was also very present.
The resignation of the government was also urged on numerous boards and stickers. After it was also an FPÖ rally, advertising material for the Freedom Party was naturally also present. Furthermore, red-white-red flags were waved just like those of the federal states. The different dialects in the crowd of demonstrators also showed that numerous participants had come from other parts of the country.
Whistles and drums were used to draw attention to the issue acoustically. “We are the people” was chanted repeatedly. A “new hymn for freedom” also rang out from the loudspeakers.
Mask requirement largely ignored
Once again, the requirement to wear a mask was largely ignored. Although there were announcements by the police referring to the legal situation, many people only complied with the legal provisions when law enforcement officers were nearby. As soon as the police could no longer be seen, the mask was often put back in place. One speaker – she was introduced as a no longer practicing doctor – openly mocked the protective measure. One does not belong to the “filter bag believers”. “Give it away,” she recommended to the rally participants.
According to the police, charges were made for the use of pyrotechnics and the disregard of the mask requirement. In addition, reports were made of two arrests based on the Prohibition Act and on alleged attempts to resist state violence. During the protest march around the ring that followed the stand rally, representatives of the media were also thrown snowballs or chunks of ice at them. The attackers could be stopped, it said.
A “mega-demo for freedom against chaos and coercion” has been advertised for days. The rally organized by the blues took place in “cooperation with various citizen movements”, announced the FPÖ. A total of 32 gatherings were registered for Saturday at the Vienna State Police Department, seven of which were prohibited, however, and one rejected due to a formal error.
Not all of the meetings that took place were directed against the Covid measures – but the FPÖ demo is likely to be the largest. Last week, more than 40,000 people came to downtown Vienna to demonstrate against corona measures.
In order to ensure a safe process and compliance with the applicable Covid regulations, the Vienna police, supported by police officers from other federal states, were on duty with around 1,400 officers. In addition to personnel for the security service and property protection, employees of the constitution protection and the state criminal investigation office were also on duty.
Source: Nachrichten