Austria celebrates National Day with military displays and presidential address

Austria marked its National Day with extensive public celebrations, including a major military showcase at Vienna's Heldenplatz. The Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) presented various equipment, such as Leopard and Ulan tanks and the Skyranger air defense system, while inducting approximately 1,200 new recruits into service.

In a televised address, President Alexander Van der Bellen called for national unity and social cohesion. He reflected on Austria's history, specifically the atrocities of National Socialism and the Holocaust, warning that political division leads to an abyss. He emphasized that the success of the Second Republic is built on the ability to find compromises and respect diversity.

Complementary events included a security festival at Rathausplatz, featuring demonstrations by the Vienna Fire Department, police units like WEGA, and emergency services. Additionally, various government institutions, including the Parliament and the Chancellery, opened their doors to the public for guided tours.