"Democracy in danger"

Rallies against right-wing extremism at 33 locations

Under the motto "Defending democracy", rallies and light campaigns against right-wing extremism will once again take place throughout Austria on Sunday. 

After tens of thousands of people took to the streets against right-wing extremism and racism in Vienna at the end of January, this time the events are being held "decentrally" on the initiative of Fridays for Future. Democracy in Austria is in danger.

At more than 30 locations
Lights are to be lit in front of municipal offices, town halls and landmarks in more than 30 locations across the country.

In addition to numerous actions in smaller communities, rallies are also planned in the provincial capitals of Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, St. Pölten and Vienna. Protests were already held in Klagenfurt on Friday evening.

"Showing strength"
Unlike at the end of January, the organizers on Sunday are not concerned with the size of the individual demonstrations, but with "showing strength across the board". Another large demonstration is planned for mid-March in Vienna.

The "Defend Democracy!" initiative was triggered by revelations from the research center "Correctiv" about a meeting of right-wing extremists in Germany in November, which was attended by AfD politicians and the former head of the far-right Identitarian Movement in Austria, Martin Sellner, among others. According to the report, plans for the mass deportation of millions of people were discussed.