Massive demonstrations are observed this Saturday around Europe in protest at the restrictions imposed by governments to deal with the new wave of coronavirus infections registered in countries almost the entire bloc. We are fed up. Don’t touch our children!” was the slogan of a march in Hamburg, which took part some 10,000 people, the largest of the weekend.
Another demonstration, in Schwerin, northeastern Germany, gathered just 700 people, according to local police, who detailed that several streets were closed and numerous additional agents were deployed. Infection rates in Germany reached steep peaks, with figures not recorded at that magnitude since the beginning of the pandemic, forcing new restrictions on public life, especially for the unvaccinated. In Austria, meanwhile, thousands of citizens gathered in the center of Vienna to reject the mandatory vaccination against Covid-19 and the confinement of those who refuse to be vaccinated.
Protests in Vienna, Austria, against mandatory vaccination | Photo: NA
In the capital, rallies were planned at 24 points and, in total, according to police estimates, some 44,000 people attended. The far-right FPÖ party organized a “mega-demonstration” near the Hofburg Palace.The demonstrations became widely held after the Austrian government established mandatory vaccination for all Austrian residents over the age of 14 (unless they are exempt for health reasons), and although vaccination cannot be imposed by force, the refusal to comply with it will have legal consequences, with an initial fine of 600 euros.
