Massive protests broke out across Europe Saturday as nations begin to reimposed lockdowns and add new vaccine mandates to fight rising numbers in the fight against COVID-19.
Tens of thousands gathered in Vienna, Austria, where the nation is launching a strict lockdown and new vaccine mandate after surging cases. At least 38,000 marched, with some estimates as large as 100,000.
VIDEO: Thousands gather in Vienna to protest against the new measures announced by the Austrian government to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic pic.twitter.com/mOketBgOmC
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 21, 2021
Videos of massive crowds appeared online from the event.
Citizens in Vienna Austria march against lockdown of the entire population from Monday and mandatory vaccination effective Feb 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/xbVCa0mbiL
— Rowan (@canmericanized) November 20, 2021
The Feb. 1 vaccine mandate requirement is one of the driving factors behind the movement.
Thousands also protested against the vaccine Health Pass in Rome that is required for access to many areas of life in the nation.
NEW 🚨 Thousands gather in Rome, Italy in protest against country’s health pass pic.twitter.com/hqGjnGRYZb
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) November 20, 2021
The protests show the massive upheaval against government overreach. The actions also reveal what could come to the U.S. if the government seeks to enforce strict lockdowns or vaccine requirements.