• The Austrian government commemorated the liberation from National Socialism and the end of World War II with a ceremony at the Chancellery.
  • Chancellor Christian Stocker called for ‘clear and responsible politics’ in a video message, noting that May 8 marked the end of a system in which many Austrians were involved.
  • Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler warned of a trust problem in democracy and called for more lived democracy.
  • Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr emphasized the importance of remembrance culture in schools and the fight against discrimination.
  • Political scientist Ivan Krastev stressed that Europe must be able to take care of itself in light of the war in Ukraine.
  • The Greens called for a nationwide memorial concept and the expansion of the memorial service.