The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) are now attacking the pro-hijab demonstration.
Austria is facing rising political tension due to a planned protest against the proposed ban on wearing hijabs for girls under the age of fourteen. The demonstration, organized by an IT company, is set to take place in front of the chancellery, with around 300 participants opposing the coalition government's plan known as the 'traffic light'.
The proposed ban has sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters of the protest see the law as discriminatory against Muslim girls and a violation of religious freedom, while opponents view it as a symbol of oppression and a challenge to secular values.
The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) strongly condemned the protest. The Secretary General of the People's Party, Nico Marchetti, stated that "those who defend extremism in the streets have no place in Austria," describing the demonstration as "a slap in the face of every upright democrat." He emphasized that Austria must show "zero tolerance for those who oppose the free and open society," accusing the protesters of trying to impose their vision and values on the country.
The spokesperson for family affairs in the Freedom Party, Ricarda Berger, criticized the demonstration but directed her criticism towards the ruling coalition, accusing the dominant parties of allowing "Islamist extremists" to show "their contempt for our values, culture, and way of life in the streets." Berger emphasized that the hijab – which she described as a symbol of political Islam – should be completely banned in schools for all female students, teachers, and supervisors.
The debate over the hijab ban has reignited the cultural and political divide in Austria regarding issues of freedom of belief, women's rights, and integration. As the date of the demonstration approaches, supporters and opponents are preparing for a public confrontation that may intensify the division in the national debate.