900 police officers

Akademikerball: City center becomes a fortress again

In recent years, demonstrations around the Akademikerball have led to serious riots and massive damage to property.

(Bild: Dario Steiner)

On Friday evening, the fraternity members will once again be dancing in the Hofburg. Due to the protests, there is a ban on entering the city center and a number of roadblocks - red alert is in effect. More than 900 police officers are on duty. 

When fraternity members and FPÖ officials meet at the controversial Academics' Ball on Friday evening, the inner city will be in a state of emergency.

A large contingent of law enforcement officers will be needed to ensure that dancing can take place in the Hofburg. A total of around 900 uniformed and civilian officers from Vienna, with support from the provinces, will ensure the "maintenance of public order and security" tomorrow evening, according to the "Krone".

Dancing inside, demonstrations outside. The Hofburg is hermetically sealed off for the Academics' Ball.

(Bild: CHRISTIAN HABERHAUER / APA / picturedesk.com)

In previous years, demonstrations have led to serious riots and massive damage to property. Although this time it was suspiciously quiet in the run-up to the event, the area around the Hofburg was once again cordoned off for safety reasons. An area ban comes into force at 5pm (see graphic).

On the occasion of the Freedom Party Academic Ball taking place on Friday in the Vienna Hofburg and the expected protests, the area around Heldenplatz is once again banned.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV | Foto: Viennareport)

According to the Vienna police, five rallies have been announced. The march of the "Offensive gegen Rechts" demonstration will also start at 5 p.m. at the University of Vienna at Schottentor and is scheduled to end at Stephansplatz. Meanwhile, there has been a stir over a post by the Austrian Students' Union (ÖH), which some on social media see as a call for violence. "Fraternities break a leg" and "Nazis in the mouth", for example, could be read there.

Whether Martin Sellner, head of the Identitarian movement, will be there again this time is neither confirmed nor denied. Anyone can buy a ticket, according to FPÖ local councillor and ball organizer Udo Guggenbichler. In any case, he is relaxed about the ball night.

Restrictions on the road and public transport
Bus lines 1A, 2A and 3A will be suspended from around 3 pm. The streetcar lines around the Ring may also be rerouted. This will mainly affect the section of the Ring between Schwarzenbergplatz and the university, the alternative route via the Zweierlinie and the access routes to the Ring. From 4 p.m. there will be a ring road closure for vehicle traffic (Operngasse to Schottengasse). The ÖAMTC therefore recommends taking a wide detour, for example along the Danube Canal or via the Gürtel.