Protests in Vienna / escalation last night

["Kurt Lhotzky" <k.lhotzky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

7:30 CET, Vienna

Dear Comrades,

last night saw a new escalation in the protests against the new black/blue
capitalist government. At about 23.00 in the evening for the first time
Austrian police used a water cannon [sorry - I find not the correct word,
but you certainly understand what I mean] against some 500 protesters
outside the Head Office of Haiders FPO.
The important point is this, in my opinion: Austria was for decades known
for her social stability, due to the institutionalized collaboration between
the capitalists and [socialdemocratic] trade unions under the name of
"social partnership". Therefore, there was a deeply rooted "respect" for the
"guardians of the order". Now, for the first time, in relevant number, young
people or people from up to now "reasonable" organizations are ready to
confront the police physically. I want to stress: Of course, in the last 24
hours, the pendulum at the demonstrations swings to the left. Many rather
non-political people who join the actions out of "democratic disgust" join
in actions groups or initiative of far left organizations. For the first
time in Vienna, distributing leaflets is a joy - because people take and
***read*** them.
The black/blue capitalist government is aware, that the tide of the protests
is still rising. Minister for Internal Affairs Strasser (right wing of the
Peoples Party) announced for today a "more decided and less wavering
reaction by the security forces against illegal protests".

I will send more news later. The situations is not so easy to report on if
you are involved, because besides of the "central" demonstration today
(17.oo CET) there will be the whole day dezentralized and spontaneous
actions. You see: You just can take your bundle of leaflets, stroll through
the city and look were a new crowd is gathering...

A personal note: I am now 42 and joined the left at the age of 12 (the then
Socialist Pupils Federation, which underwent an this time a radicalization
and turned to Leninism, myself joining the Trotskyist tendnecy). So, be
patient if my reports are maybe to detailed - I waited for 30 years to see
such scenes here in Austria! Additionally: If someone has more detailed
questions - ask!

Kurt