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Climate activists protest with paint and posters in a Viennese supermarket. They warn of an impending food crisis. The police intervene.
Vienna – A supermarket in Vienna was the latest target of the climate activists from the “Last Generation Austria”. On the morning of May 6th, three members of the group stormed a branch of the Spar supermarket chain. Among them was Anja Windl, who became known as “Climate Shakira” because of her resemblance to the Colombian pop star.
They colored the entrance area with orange paint from appropriately colored buckets. A video distributed by the group shows supermarket employees dragging Windl and another activist through the resulting puddle of paint. Nevertheless, the two women did not allow themselves to be dissuaded from sitting in front of the door and showing a poster with the inscription “Right to Survive”.
“Last Generation” in action: Color protest in the supermarket as a warning signal for the climate crisis – “Climate Shakira” also there
In front of a group of spectators, Windl expressed her concern: “Food security is already at massive risk in Austria. 1.1 million Austrians can no longer afford the food they need for a healthy diet.” She emphasized that this was “a warning sign for all of us” and that the situation would get worse if it was not addressed. Bread prices, among other things, are skyrocketing.
The climate protectors, who are also known as climate glue because of their actions in road traffic, referred to a study by Gesundheit Austria. In response to this study, Volkshilfe Austria is calling for “free meals in schools and kindergartens, control of food prices and the introduction of basic child welfare in Austria”.
Climate activists from the “last generation” protest with a color campaign in the supermarket
Laila Fuiz, another member of the “Last generation,” warned in a statement: “Food shortages are a real problem and will be exacerbated by climate catastrophe.” She added: “We are heading towards a world where we have to fight over food. Many people can already barely afford food. What happens if the crops fail?”
Afra Porsche, another member of the group, demanded: “We must now decide whether we want to fight for a secure future or allow a world full of hunger and insecurity.” She sharply criticized the Austrian government: “The inaction of the Austrian government is dangerous and irresponsible. While science warns and people suffer from rising food prices, (Austria’s Chancellor Karl) Nehammer and Co. turn a blind eye. They are playing with our survival.”
However, the “Last Generation” campaign also met with criticism. Management consultant and columnist Sebastian Bohrn Mena commented under the group’s tweet: “Perhaps it would be better to spill the paint at the company or party headquarters? Where those really responsible are located.”
Climate activists protest with paint and posters in a Viennese supermarket – until the police intervene
According to the Austrian media, the protest took place on Parkring between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. A spokeswoman for the company concerned was contacted by meinkreis.at quoted: “The customers were surprised and simply ignored her. The police acted very quickly and the operation was over quickly.” The spilled paint had to be removed by a specialist company.
A police spokeswoman said the gathering was unregistered and the activists were given time to leave the location. Since they did not comply with this request, “the three people were temporarily arrested.” A video from “Last Generation” shows three police officers carrying one of the activists away.
Climate activists want to draw attention to the food crisis through protest
The group had already drawn attention to their concerns with a major campaign in front of the Austrian Parliament at the weekend. This should be the start of a new wave of protests. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was also asked to deal more honestly with the climate crisis. As part of the campaign “Starve until you are honestSome participants have already come dangerously close to starvation. One began the life-threatening strike on March 7th, two others followed on March 25th and April 16th
The “Last Generation” repeatedly causes a stir with high-profile campaigns. Some climate activists stuck themselves on the Brenner and antagonized vacationers. Access to the Ski World Cup in Sölden has also already been blocked. Members of the group also disrupted a cattle drive in Tyrol. (mg)
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