The decision on neutrality celebrated on National Day still determines the Austrian identity, emphasized Tanner at the press event. However, it is also a day „on which we should be aware that peace and security are not a given.“ The world is increasingly characterized by uncertainty, Austria must be able to defend itself, the minister highlighted the importance of the armed forces. The soldiers stand for the values on which the Republic is built. „That is precisely why the Austrian Armed Forces are inseparably linked to National Day.“

Around National Day, its achievements and development, as well as the people behind the uniforms, should become visible, said the Minister of Defense. Already on Saturday and Sunday, there will be a more compact performance show at Heldenplatz and the Burgtheater, explained the military commander of Vienna, Christian Habersatter.

On National Day on Monday, the armed forces will start at 9 a.m. with a live broadcast from Heldenplatz, the signal will be made available to the media. After wreath-laying ceremonies by the Federal President, the Federal Government, and victim associations, as well as a flyover of aircraft, the oath ceremony will take place. At the performance show, the armed forces will present, among other things, new vehicles; already on Tuesday, the Leopard and Ulan tanks, as well as a tank with the Skyranger air defense system, were on site.

More than 900 soldiers, civilian employees, and conscripts are expected to ensure a smooth process on Monday, said Tanner. They especially want to inspire young people for the armed forces. The program therefore also includes a cyber escape room, a drone course, and a climbing tower.

The ORF, which broadcasts a „ZIB Spezial“ on the oath ceremony at Heldenplatz on National Day, also has great significance in times of crisis, said Director General Ingrid Thurnher at the press conference. It offers reliable information that can protect people, as well as guidance when uncertainty is particularly high.

Even a bit away from Heldenplatz, there is a lot going on on National Day. In Parliament, interested parties can learn about the meeting rooms and the ramp of Parliament during tours. The latter is usually reserved for the Federal President and high-ranking international guests. In the columned hall, visitors can also engage in conversations with representatives from all factions.

The Federal Chancellery showcases its representation rooms and offers a „Meet and Greet“ with Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, Chancellery Minister Claudia Bauer, and State Secretary Alexander Pröll (all ÖVP). Next door on Minoritenplatz, the Ministry of Women and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are open. During tours of the representation rooms of the Presidential Chancellery, interested parties can get to know part of the Hofburg. In the evening, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will give a speech as he does every year.

There is also a National Day program at the Administrative Court (VwGH) and the Constitutional Court (VfGH). At the VfGH, President Christoph Grabenwarter, Vice President Verena Madner, and Constitutional Judge Georg Lienbacher personally provide information about the work of the highest court.

(APA/Red.)

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