The Austrian climate activists organisation Last Generation has announced it will disband over a lack of success.
The organisation has been responsible for many disruptive protests — including blocking roadways and paint attacks on objects of interest –with its activities resulting in it being put under investigation by the Austrian judiciary.
On August 6, Last Generation issued a statement announcing its members would end their protests and dissolve as an organisation, saying they “no longer see a perspective for success” as Austria’s population had opted for “fossil ignorance”.
Their remaining financial assets would be used to finance the costs of “criminalisation and investigations”, likely alluding to the group’s mounting legal issues.
Since 2021, Last Generation has launched several protests against climate change. Usually, that centres on blocking rush-hour traffic in Vienna and other Austrian cities and throwing paint at artworks.
In April 2024, the group disrupted the Vienna Marathon by throwing paint onto the track. In May, the group marched through a residential area of Vienna at 4:30 am, waking residents with bells and bullhorns.
Last Generation’s actions have generally resonated poorly with Austrians. In a 2023 poll, 75 per cent of respondents said they had no sympathy for the climate activists’ protests.
In June, three activists were jailed for about two weeks for throwing paint at a painting by Gustav Klimt. In July, Last Generation said the Ministry of Justice (led by Green Party politician Alma Zadic) had instructed the Attorney General of Vienna to prosecute it as a criminal organisation.
The Ministry denied these allegations but confirmed that investigations for some potential violations were ongoing.
Last Generation receives support from the US non-profit organisation Climate Emergency Fund, which has been bankrolled by several US millionaires including Aileen Getty, heiress to the Getty family’s wealth.
The announcement of Last Generation’s dissolution has been welcomed by many. Christian Hafenecker, Secretary General of the right-wing Freedom Party, said hundreds of thousands of commuters could now breathe a sigh of relief.
It remains unclear as to whether the group’s decision to dissolve will end protests in Austria. A group spokesperson said there would be “new projects for resistance”.
Last Generation’s German sister organisation of the same name said it will continue its efforts — which have included shutting down Frankfurt airport at the end of July.
