Coronavirus rise in Europe: Right wing-led protest in Austria ahead of Covid-19 lockdown

Tens of thousands of protesters, many from far-right groups, marched through Vienna on Saturday after the Austrian government announced a nationwide lockdown beginning Monday to contain skyrocketing coronavirus infections.

The march started off at Vienna’s Heldenplatz square.

Chanting “Resistance!” and blowing whistles, protesters moved down the city’s inner ring road.

Many waved Austrian flags and carried signs mocking Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein.

Some wore doctor’s scrubs; others donned tinfoil hats.

Most signs focused on the vaccine mandate: "against compulsory vaccination", read one.

Among those protesting were members of far-right and extreme-right parties and groups, including the far-right Freedom Party, the anti-vaccine MFG party and the extreme-right Identitarians.

About 1,300 police officers were on duty, and 35,000 protesters participated in different marches across the city.

Police said several protesters were detained, but didn’t give specific numbers.

Later Saturday night, protesters threw bottles and beer cans and fired pyrotechnics at police, who then used pepper spray to disperse them.

The Austrian lockdown will start Monday and comes as average daily deaths have tripled in recent weeks and hospitals in heavily hit states have warned that intensive care units are reaching capacity.

The lockdown will last at least 10 days but could go on to 20, officials said.

People will be able to leave their homes only for specific reasons, including buying groceries, going to the doctor or exercising.

The government also will make vaccinations mandatory starting on 1 February.

Fewer than 66% of Austria’s 8.9 million people are fully vaccinated, one of the lowest rates in Western Europe.

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