Vienna police have banned a massive rally planned to support Freedom Party (FPÖ) leader Herbert Kickl, citing public disruptions, a move that has intensified political tensions in Austria.
The protest, originally set for November 9 and later rescheduled to November 30, was expected to draw 1.4 million participants organized by Fair Thinking, a group known for its vocal opposition to Covid policies.
Promoted as a show of solidarity with “People’s Chancellor Kickl,” the demonstration aimed to challenge the so-called “sugar coalition” of parties excluding Kickl’s FPÖ from government negotiations despite their electoral success. Critics have labeled the exclusion undemocratic, fueling outrage among his supporters.
Kickl, a polarizing figure, has championed Austrian neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and opposed mass immigration. His popularity surged as the FPÖ won Austria’s September federal elections but was sidelined in coalition talks. The party also dominated Styria’s recent state elections with 35.6% of the vote, further spotlighting the controversy around its exclusion.
The protest date initially sparked backlash for coinciding with the anniversary of the 1938 Nazi pogroms. Chancellor Karl Nehammer and President Alexander Van der Bellen condemned the timing as insensitive, prompting organizers to move the event. However, Vienna police ultimately prohibited the rescheduled demonstration, citing Austria’s Assembly Act and concerns over disruptions to traffic and commerce in Vienna’s shopping districts.
In a statement, police warned that attending the banned event would constitute an administrative violation and could lead to its dissolution. In response, organizers encouraged supporters to “take a walk” through Vienna’s Christmas markets as an informal show of resistance.
The ban has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents arguing that prioritizing convenience over the right to assembly undermines democratic values. This episode highlights Austria’s political divide, with Kickl’s supporters accusing the establishment of anti-democratic tactics to sideline their leader. Meanwhile, traditional parties like the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) have seen voter support erode, reflecting dissatisfaction with their approach to the FPÖ.
