The ceremonial program for the national holiday today, October 26, will go ahead in full despite the heightened terror alert level. In addition to the Austrian Armed Forces performance show on Vienna’s Heldenplatz, the Chancellery and Parliament will once again open their doors to the public. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will also receive visitors at the Hofburg.
As far as the heightened terror alert level is concerned, the security situation is being monitored and assessed hourly, as stated in advance. Should the situation require it, the corresponding security measures would be increased and tightened.
The national holiday traditionally begins by commemorating the victims of both world wars. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the federal government lay wreaths at the crypt on Heldenplatz. After an overflight of the Eurofighter, the recruits are sworn in. Every year, the Austrian Armed Forces will present their diverse range of tasks at Heldenplatz and various locations in Vienna’s city center.
Visitors can tour the representative offices from noon to 5 p.m. at the Chancellery and meet Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Chancellery Ministers Karoline Edtstadler and Susanne Raab (all ÖVP). Due to the great interest shown in recent years, this year’s open day in the Presidential Chancellery will begin at 10 a.m.
Also, at 10 a.m., the newly renovated parliament building will open its doors for a look behind the scenes. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) will also be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Police Day will be held at Minoritenplatz, and the City of Vienna’s Security Festival will occur at Rathausplatz.
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