Vienna city center

Ball night: waltzes inside, protests outside

High security precautions were taken around the Vienna State Opera. Three protests were also registered.(Bild: APA/ALEX HALADA)

While the sounds of waltzes and champagne flutes dominate the Vienna State Opera on Thursday evening, the streets outside could be boiling. So far, however, everything is remarkably calm in the city center.

Hundreds of police officers are providing security in the city center. As Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) mentioned during an inspection of the opera house on Thursday morning, there is still an "increased risk situation". Also for the ball itself: Ball guests will be searched upon entering the venue, both their clothing and any bags they are carrying. If anyone refuses, the police can refuse entry to the opera.

However, the Opera Ball is a thorn in the side of some. Probably the most provocative demonstration took place from 6.30 p.m. on Albertinaplatz. Under the slogan "The rich dance - we protest against unfair distribution", the demonstrators wanted to send a signal against social inequality. LINKS hosted punch, a concert and, from 9 pm, the LINKS waltz.

Two protest marches led into the city center
One protest march also started at Ballhausplatz and led via Michaelerplatz, Kohlmarkt, Graben and Neuer Markt to Helmut-Zilk-Platz. The second protest route with the theme "Demonstration against the Opera Ball 2025" led from Keplerplatz via Laxenburger Straße, Favoritenstraße and Wiedner Hauptstraße to Kärntner Straße.

All demonstrations ended when the Opera Ball opened. There were no incidents, everything went peacefully, explained police spokeswoman Anna Gutt.

Restrictions for Wiener Linien
However, the effects on public transport should be noted: since 7 p.m., the streetcar lines on the Ring have been diverted or cut short. There will also be detour on lines D, 1 and 2, and line 71 will only run between Kaiserebersdorf and Schwarzenbergplatz. Line 2 has been discontinued and line 59 A only runs between Meidling station and the Bärenmühl passage.