Windows smeared

Bregenz Hypobank in the sights of climate activists

Climate activists from Extinction Rebellion were at Hypobank in Bregenz on Wednesday.(Bild: Extinction Rebellion)

Governor Markus Wallner should stop the "squandering of taxpayers' money" immediately, demanded the climate activists of "Extinction Rebellion Vorarlberg". This time, they expressed their displeasure about the construction of the Feldkirch city tunnel and the granting of loans to Rene Benko in front of Hypobank.  

The Landhaus once again resembled a fortress on Wednesday. The underground parking garage and forecourt were strictly guarded. Anyone wanting to enter the Landhaus had to identify themselves. 

Climate activists have been protesting on days when parliament is in session since July 2023. This Wednesday, however, they had not set their sights on the Landhaus, but on Bregenz Hypobank. The Landesbank that is likely to be left sitting on millions after granting a loan to Rene Benko.

This time, the activists were active in front of Hypobank.(Bild: Extinction Rebellion)

Several demonstrations were held against the tunnel spider.(Bild: Extinction Rebellion Vorarlberg)

The demonstrators hoisted a banner in the Hypo Bank design and smeared the façade of the financial institution with paint. "Tunnel spider, S18, Hypo scandal - How many more taxes in Wallner's black hole?" could be read there.

Future destroyed
"In the context of the Hypo scandal, it is clear to us that further taxes are being invested in the destruction of our future instead of, for example, promoting a socially just transport transition," explained Johannes Juritsch from Extinction Rebellion, explaining why the bank had been chosen as the site of the protest this time.

The Hypo scandal was an opportunity to put a finger in the wound and call on Wallner to finally do his duty. "Pursue responsible policies that safeguard our livelihoods and those of future generations, not destroy them," said Martina Eisendle from Extinction Rebellion.