Austria’s COVID-19 Measures

By M. M. Elghusein, J.D.

Published on December 15, 2021

In his recent GBNews television appearance, Nigel Farage described Austria’s lockdown of the unvaccinated as ‘deeply sinister’.

In this article, I will provide the reader with an idea about the current situation in Austria and how a government consisting of conservatives and Greens violated constitutional rights, plunged the country into fear and chaos, and sown the seeds of social division and hatred.

The early beginnings

“Soon, everyone will know someone who died from Corona.“ – Sebastian Kurz

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz who headed a coalition government of conservatives and Greens was instrumental in implementing the current corona regime.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Kurz instilled an atmosphere of fear and panic by making his infamous statement that “Soon, everyone will know someone who died from Corona.”

Kurz and his government would implement strict lockdowns and measures that would attract strong criticism.

Across Austria, numerous businesses—including restaurants, hairdressers, clothing stores, and gyms—were forced to remain closed for months. Cultural institutions such as operas, theaters, and museums also shuttered their doors.

Only essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, opticians, medical practices, and telecommunications shops were allowed to stay open.

During and after the lockdowns, people were required to wear masks and undergo PCR or antigen tests to access certain venues, such as restaurants, cafés, and social gathering places.

The suppression of critics: Doctors and nurses

Medical doctors who criticized the regime had their medical licenses revoked. Nurses and hospital workers who spoke out about the realities in hospitals or expressed criticism were dismissed.

This echoes the dark days of Austria’s fascist regime, when critics and political undesirables were branded outcasts and silenced.

Children and the lockdown

Children were particularly affected by the lockdowns, which disrupted their regular schooling and forced them to study online. Many developed psychological issues due to the lockdowns and the overall negative atmosphere in the country. Schoolchildren were required to wear masks and undergo regular testing. As a result, thousands of parents chose not to send their children to school.

Since the government’s measures were implemented, at least 25 school teachers have either resigned or been dismissed due to their opposition to the corona policies and their unwillingness to oversee the intrusive ‘nose drilling tests’ on their pupils.

Actress and ORF (Austrian Television) star Eva Herzig, who opposes vaccination, chose not to send her children to school and has warned about the potential side effects of the vaccine.

School Masks and the Constitutional Court of Austria

The Constitutional Court of Austria repealed certain government ordinances related to pandemic prevention, ruling them unlawful. One notable ruling concerned an ordinance that required classes to be divided and mandated mask-wearing in schools outside of class hours.

The bizarre face mask ordinances

A study conducted by the Swiss consumer magazine Ktipp found that worn masks can harbor over one million bacterial colonies. The study also detected traces of harmful substances on the masks that negatively affect the skin and respiratory system, potentially causing headaches and dizziness.

According to Dr. Marcus Franz, a prominent medical doctor in Austria, masks are partly to blame for spreading colds as it weakens the body’s immune system.

The mask ordinances imposed by the government were particularly bizarre and absurd, revealing the sheer madness of the regime. Guests were only allowed to enter restaurants or cafés while wearing masks; although they could remove the mask to eat or drink, they were required to put it back on as soon as they stood up from their seats. Even when simply going to the restroom, the mask had to be worn. It is difficult to believe how far this regime succeeded in insulting our intelligence and dignity.

People were required to wear FFP2 masks even in the sweltering summer heat whenever they boarded trains, buses, or taxis. Wearing FFP2 masks was also mandatory in grocery stores.

During the summer, I sought a medical exemption from wearing the FFP2 mask, which I found difficult to tolerate due to breathing issues. Having suffered from severe allergies since childhood, I consulted several doctors in hopes of obtaining relief. However, despite the medical profession’s ethical duty to prioritize the well-being of each patient, I was informed that exemptions were only granted in cases involving severe medical conditions or diseases.

The mask has become a symbol of fear and submission to those behind this deeply sinister agenda.

Endless tests

PCR and antigen tests became a routine part of life in Austria, mandated for certain professions and required for entry into places like restaurants, cafés, hairdressing salons, and other venues for social gatherings. Over time, concerns began to emerge not only about the frequency of testing but also about its safety. Media reports highlighted isolated but concerning cases of side effects from the nasal swab tests—sometimes referred to as “nose drilling”—including incidents of nosebleeds and, in rare cases, the leakage of brain fluid through the nose.

The government’s ‘Game changer’

Sebastian Kurz and his government declared that the COVID-19 vaccine—widely referred to as the Coronavirus vaccine—would be a “Game changer.” The central political message was simple: “one jab” and we would be out of the pandemic. Yet, reality has unfolded quite differently. The promise of a swift return to normalcy was not fulfilled.

Soon, news headlines were filled with reports of vaccine side effects and, in some cases, deaths. Even mainstream scientists and health experts began to acknowledge that many individuals who had received the vaccine were still contracting the Coronavirus—and some were even being admitted to intensive care units.

Doubts also emerged as to the effectiveness of the vaccine against other variants of the virus such as the Delta variant and the now much-talked-about Omicron variant with more news about the vaccine’s ineffectiveness against the new variants coming daily.

It became clear that the vaccine is not the ‘Game changer’ the government had promised and that taking two or three booster jabs was necessary to fight the virus.

Despite mounting evidence about the vaccine’s limited effectiveness and potential side effects, the prophets of doom scientists, along with certain doctors and politicians, continued to spread fear about the virus and its variants. It soon became apparent that ‘one jab’ was not enough, as those who had already been vaccinated were urged to receive booster shots on a regular basis. Interestingly, even individuals who had received three jabs were still contracting the virus and, in some cases, being hospitalized.

Ursula Wiedermann-Schmidt, Professor of Vaccinology and Head of the Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine at MedUni Vienna, stated that the vaccine does not protect against infection but may lead to a milder course of illness in the event of infection.

In September of this year, Heute, one of Austria’s largest daily mainstream newspapers, reported that over 13,000 people had contracted the Coronavirus despite being vaccinated.

Although the government previously declared that the pandemic was over for the vaccinated, it recently imposed a nationwide lockdown affecting both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

The side effects: Hiding the true numbers

“A large size of the serious side effects is not being reported for the simple reason that it is not desirable”. – Gudula Walterskirchen

Not only did the vaccine fail to provide lasting immunity against the virus, but it has also been associated with severe side effects, including heart inflammation, heart attacks, strokes, brain hemorrhages, and paralysis, among others. Additionally, there have been reports of deaths following vaccination. This outcome is perhaps unsurprising given that the vaccine was released under emergency use authorization and has not undergone the long-term testing typically required to fully establish safety. Moreover, the mRNA vaccine differs fundamentally from traditional vaccines.

Many studies have investigated the detrimental side effects of the vaccine on patients. Nevertheless, the government has largely dismissed these findings.

In the program Talk im Hangar-7, Austrian historian and author Gudula Walterskirchen said that “A large size of the serious side effects is not being reported for the simple reason that it is not desirable”.

Walterskirchen also mentioned that doctors who reported a high number of patients experiencing side effects faced difficulties with the Austrian Medical Board (ÖÄK). Although no official reason was given for her dismissal, it is widely believed that Walterskirchen was fired as the publisher of the NÖN (News of Lower Austria) due to her stance on the vaccine and her attempts to align the publication with her views on the issue.

In August of this year, Österreich, Austria’s most widely read daily newspaper reported 73 cases of Myocarditis following vaccination.

Sweden and Denmark have stopped vaccinations with the Moderna vaccine for those under the age of 30 after cases of Myocarditis resulting from the vaccine have been reported.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) also announced that Guillain-Barré syndrome will be one of the possible side effects of Johnson & Johnson.

More recently, the Japanese Ministry of Health officially warned about the severe side effects of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Unlike in Austria, where reporting vaccine side effects is often discouraged among doctors, Japanese hospitals are required to report any adverse reactions resulting from the vaccine.

Deaths from the vaccine: The dark figures

Peter Schirmacher, chief pathologist at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, warned of a potentially high number of unreported vaccine-related deaths and called for more autopsies to accurately determine the causes of these fatalities.

In Baden-Württemberg, autopsies were conducted on 40 individuals who died after vaccination. Schirmacher assumes that between 30 and 40 percent of these deaths were caused by the vaccine.

Doctors demand honest statistics

In September of this year, the critical Austrian newspaper Unzensuriert published an article titled: “Doctors demand honest statistics: The number of Corona intensive care patients totally distorted,” which examined the controversial methods used to count intensive care bed occupancy by Coronavirus patients.

The regime’s blind trust in the prophets of doom scientists and experts

The regime’s unquestioning reliance on so-called prophets of doom, such as German virologist Christian Drosten—who predicted a ‘hard winter with 100,000 deaths’ from the virus and repeatedly warned against prematurely ending COVID measures—reveals the narrow-mindedness and sinister agenda behind its policies.

Furthermore, the regime neglected crucial health policy measures, such as promoting healthy diets, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, managing stress, and encouraging physical exercise and outdoor activities.

The bias of the mainstream media

While the mainstream media did report on side effects and deaths linked to the vaccine, many of their articles have largely aligned with the government’s narrative. In Austria, much of the mainstream media is sponsored or influenced by the government.

Rather than providing impartial coverage of the protests against government measures, the mainstream media often portrayed demonstrators as troublemakers, labeling them ‘Corona deniers’ and ‘Corona rebels.’ This approach has led many Austrians to lose trust in the mainstream media.

As a result, alternative media outlets that are strongly critical of the regime, such as the widely-read Wochenblick newspaper, have gained significant traction in Austria.

The vaccination lottery of Österreich and the vaccine hype

To encourage vaccination, Österreich, Austria’s most widely read daily newspaper, has been running a vaccination lottery for some time. It is morally questionable to use lotteries to persuade people to get vaccinated by offering prizes like TVs or cars. Vaccination concerns health and should be a personal decision made freely after consulting a medical professional.

Fewer taxes for the vaccinated and other incentives

Thomas Szekeres, president of the Austrian Medical Chamber (ÖÄK), supported the government’s narrative and advocated for tax reductions for vaccinated individuals.

In an unusual move to promote the so-called ‘Game changer’ vaccine, a brothel in Vienna even offered bonuses of thirty euros to vaccinated clients.

Mandatory vaccinations, prison sentences, and fines

“What’s happening in Austria is the reason why we cannot stand idly by and say nothing. As the fundamental values of a free society, democracy, freedom, bodily autonomy face an egregious assault.” – Mark Dolan

Despite being instrumental in creating the current regime, Kurz emphasized that nobody should be forced to take the vaccine against their own will.

Kurz who resigned as chancellor and head of the coalition government following allegations of bribery and corruption was replaced by Alexander Schallenberg whose cabinet proposed mandatory vaccinations with prison sentences and penalties as sanctions for those who refuse to get the government’s ‘Game changer.’

Calls for mandatory vaccinations were made earlier by the governor of the state of Styria, Hermann Schützenhöfer of the Conservative Party of Austria (ÖVP).

Michael Ludwig, mayor of Vienna and member of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), aligned with the regime’s narrative by imposing lockdowns and other restrictions across the capital. He has faced strong criticism recently from restaurant owners who suffered significant financial losses due to these lockdown measures.

Pamela Rendi-Wagner, chairwoman of the SPÖ, also supported the regime’s policies, endorsing lockdowns and their extensions. She even called for mandatory mask-wearing for teachers and schoolchildren. Recently, Rendi-Wagner advocated for a €500 bonus for those who received a third vaccine dose.

Irmgard Griss, former President of the Supreme Court, has argued in favor of mandatory vaccinations. She is affiliated with the NEOS party.

Beate Meinl-Reisinger, chairwoman of the NEOS party also supported mandatory vaccinations and sided with the regime’s narrative.

In a press conference, Karoline Edtstadler, the minister for the constitution and a member of the ruling Conservative Party of Austria (ÖVP) stated that “We need to vaccinate today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow.” Anyone with a reasonable mind will find her style while delivering this statement deeply disturbing.

In a recent interview with Kronen Zeitung, one of Austria’s largest daily mainstream newspapers, Karoline Edtstadler stated: “With the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, it is essentially illegal to live in Austria without being vaccinated. And this can have other consequences as well.” Edtstadler also mentioned that employers could terminate the employment of employees who remain unvaccinated.

Protests across Austria

Following waves of strong street protests in Vienna, Linz, Graz, and Klagenfurt, as well as criticism from the United Kingdom, the government backed down from its initial plan to impose mandatory prison sentences on those who refused the regime’s so-called ‘Game changer’ vaccine. Instead, the government—now led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (who succeeded Schallenberg after mass protests in Vienna)—plans to introduce hefty fines of up to €7,300 for those who refuse vaccination.

Nehammer, known for his heavy-handed approach to enforcing lockdown regulations and ordinances, has also faced strong criticism for his handling of the 2020 terrorist shootings in Vienna, which claimed four lives. Media reports indicate that Austrian authorities were warned by Slovak intelligence about an imminent terrorist threat, but the Austrian Interior Ministry failed to act on this warning.

Was Schallenberg’s resignation as chancellor a mild message to the government that they must finally listen to the people? Schallenberg’s resignation was followed by Gernot Blümel’s resignation as minister of finance and Heinz Faßmann’s resignation as minister of education. Both were replaced by other candidates.

The Freedom Party of Austria

“Austria has the most stupid, mendacious, and sadistic government in Europe.” – Herbert Kickl

One of Austria’s three largest political parties, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), has led the opposition against the Corona regime from the very beginning. Its leader, Herbert Kickl, has become a prominent voice for freedom and reason in the country.

Known for their outspokenness, Freedom Party leaders and MPs such as Herbert Kickl, Dr. Dagmar Belakowitsch, Susanne Fürst, Christoph Steiner, Michael Schnedlitz, and many others have tirelessly defended the freedoms and constitutional rights of all Austrians.

The Freedom Party has strongly criticized the regime’s lockdowns and the restrictive measures imposed.

FPÖ politicians have warned that these policies risk dividing the country, creating an apartheid between the vaccinated and unvaccinated. They have consistently called for a rational health policy and an end to the bizarre and punitive measures enforced by the government.

In St. Pölten, the capital city of Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), city council member Klaus Otzelberger from the Freedom Party has called for unity and an end to discrimination against the unvaccinated. Otzelberger, who is vaccinated himself, has spoken out strongly against mandatory vaccinations, stating that he does not want his baby daughter to be forced to take the vaccine against her will one day. I have yet to hear similarly courageous voices from city council members of the SPÖ, ÖVP, NEOS, or the Greens.

The newly formed MFG Party

In 2021, a new party, the Austrian Freedom and Fundamental Rights Party (MFG), was established. The party is critical of the government regime, opposing mandatory vaccinations and discrimination against the unvaccinated. In the Upper Austrian state elections, the MFG secured 6.23% of the votes and currently holds three seats in the state parliament.

MFG party chairman and attorney Michael Brunner said “It is not a vaccination, instead it is the injection of a gene-based experimental substance that does not protect against an infection with the virus nor the transmission of the virus. And since it is not a vaccination in the classical sense, it is not possible to prescribe a vaccination.”

Brunner further stated that “Any compulsion whether for healthcare or any other occupational group is against the law and violates our basic rights and freedoms.”

Political parties that supported or sided with the regime

Austria was ruled for many decades by coalitions between the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Conservatives (ÖVP), often described by some as “cozy.” While both parties played instrumental roles in rebuilding and modernizing the country after the Second World War, their coalitions have been criticized for failing to implement meaningful reforms and maintaining the status quo. Both parties—especially the SPÖ—have also been blamed for their handling of the mass migration wave in 2015.

When the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) initiated a vote of no confidence against the incumbent government, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), NEOS, and the Greens all sided with the regime, refusing to support the FPÖ’s move. Unless the current leaders of these parties resign, it is difficult to imagine who would still vote for them in the upcoming election.

Dissatisfaction, resentment, and resistance

“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” – Abraham Lincoln

The majority of people living in Austria are dissatisfied with the government and its policies. The waves of mass protests across the country demonstrate that many have had enough of the government’s so-called ‘game-changing’ vaccine and the restrictive measures and ordinances imposed upon them.

Strong criticism has come from various sectors of Austrian society. Medical doctors, nurses, hospital workers, police officers, entertainers, celebrities, business owners, and lawyers have all voiced their dissatisfaction with the government and its policies.

Famous Austrian actress Nina Proll has strongly criticized the government for its policies and discrimination against the unvaccinated, describing the government’s 2-G measure as “immoral and humanly reprehensible.”

Even members of the ruling Conservative Party (ÖVP) have voiced concerns and criticism of the regime. Christina Staffler, chairwoman of the JVP—the youth organization of the ÖVP—resigned in protest against the discriminatory treatment of the unvaccinated.

The Austrian armed forces

Many members of the Austrian armed forces have voiced their criticism of mandatory vaccinations and the regime’s attempt to divide the country into those who are vaccinated and those who are not. Army officer Johann Gaiswinkler wrote: “I swore with all my power to protect the Republic of Austria and serve its people.” Many members of the armed forces share similar views.

Against medical ethics and common sense

Issues of public health should not be decided by politicians or referendums, but by medical professionals whose highest priority is the well-being of their patients. A conscientious doctor treats each patient as a unique individual, requiring personalized care. No doctor with a sound conscience would administer a vaccine or medication without thoroughly considering the patient’s medical history. Nor would a doctor knowingly administer a vaccine that could cause serious side effects or even death. Failure to take such precautions constitutes a criminal offense when the patient is harmed.

Given what is currently known about the Coronavirus, the limited effectiveness of available mRNA vaccines in preventing infections, and the significant number of side effects and deaths linked to these vaccines, it is difficult to understand how the government can justify imposing mandatory vaccinations.

Final thoughts

“Deceitful, inauthentic individual existence is the precursor to social totalitarianism.” – Viktor Frankl in Man’s Search for Meaning

The government fostered a cult-like obsession around the Coronavirus—an approach unprecedented in Austrian history. Its fanatical response, lacking both rationality and ethical grounding, has fueled an atmosphere of chaos, fear, and division. In doing so, it has undermined the fundamental rights guaranteed to the people by the Austrian constitution.

The government has failed to consider the medical opinions and perspectives of a broader range of scientists and doctors, placing its full trust instead in the prophets of doom scientists. Moreover, it has neglected to collaborate with the political opposition in developing a balanced and rational public health policy.

We cannot hope to build a civilization or the nobility of man upon compulsion, coercion, aggression, and deceit. We cannot allow fear and panic to dominate our lives.

The political discourse between the government, the opposition, and the public has become increasingly hostile. If the government refuses to acknowledge the growing divide and fails to initiate new elections, tensions may escalate further, potentially threatening social peace and stability.

The dystopia we are currently experiencing offers a rare and vital opportunity for national reflection and contemplation. Just like individuals, nations undergo phases of both positive progress and painful setbacks.

Many Austrians have long been dissatisfied with the current system and the political status quo. A lack of genuine reform, persistent corruption, and a bureaucratic and often intimidating administrative structure have hindered economic growth and fueled widespread public frustration. This is evidenced by the rise of new political parties with different agendas and too many people going into politics promoting queer agendas that undermine traditional values and fail to address the important issues in society such as the eradication of poverty and the strengthening of the family.

Austrians would be abandoning common sense and sound judgment if they choose to vote in the upcoming election for any political party that supported or aligned with the current regime. While many remain loyal to their traditional parties, it is crucial to understand that this election is no longer about political colors or affiliations—it is about the future of the country and the integrity of its leaders.

Austrians must rebuild their country’s political and economic systems from the ground up, restoring Austria’s image as a modern republic that upholds constitutional rights and the rule of law.

To foster economic growth, Austria needs to create incentives that encourage entrepreneurship and enable people to find meaningful employment. This means lowering taxes and reforming the social security system to be more business-friendly and free from bureaucratic intimidation.

Austria’s job market is in urgent need of reform to create job opportunities for people irrespective of their class or social background.

There is a pressing need to create more opportunities for citizens to pursue careers in the public sector. This can be achieved by eliminating unnecessary and often demeaning testing requirements in the application process for state jobs. A person’s abilities and suitability should not be judged by standardized tests alone, but rather by their education, achievements, personal integrity, and motivation.

Will Austrians choose to re-elect political parties that supported authoritarian measures, or will they support those that defended freedom and constitutional rights? Will they continue to vote for career politicians with queer agendas, or will they elect true representatives of the people who are committed to the well-being of the country and its citizens?

The dystopian reality we currently live in should serve as a wake-up call for all Austrians. Although I do not place my faith in political parties or the parliamentary system, I sincerely hope that, this time, Austrians will vote for a coalition government consisting of both the Freedom Party and the MFG. These two parties must work together to reform, unite, and heal a divided nation—and to serve the interests of all people living in Austria.

The Author

Born in Vienna, M. M. Elghusein, J.D. read the law in England and the United States. He is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of The New Jurist.

Article Picture: 12019 / 10255 via Pixabay