Ignored by much Western media, some 10,000 people marched through the centre of the Austrian capital Vienna on Saturday to protest against restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19, and to demand the resignation of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

Coronavirus sceptics took to the streets as Kurz and his regime discussed the possibility of extending the ongoing third lockdown in Austria, which includes movement restrictions and the closure of all non-essential businesses. The official announcement is expected on Sunday.

Two rallies took place in different parts of the city, which rarely sees large protest action, before uniting into a single march of around 20,000 people but as usual, media halved the numbers attending. A casual glance at the videos prove that state controlled media deliberately downplays the numbers of angry and frustrated protestors taking part in marches.

Most in the crowd ignored police calls to abide by social distancing rules and wear facemasks. On the contrary, the people greeted each other with kisses, hugged, and danced. Source, Source 2

Protesters in white suits and wearing masks attend a demonstration against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures and their economic consequences in Vienna, Austria, January 16, 2021. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

Chanting demonstrators – many without masks – held signs including “Kurz Must Go” and “Make Influenza Great Again” during marches through the city centre.