Les portes de la République s'ouvrent

Austrians observe their national holiday on October 26 to commemorate the permanent neutrality declared by the National Council in 1955. This year marks the seventy-first anniversary of that legislative decision. While many citizens learned in school that the day honors the departure of the last occupying soldiers, officials clarify that the holiday specifically celebrates the legal establishment of Austria’s neutral status. The date has served as a national holiday since 1965 and became a statutory day off from work in 1967. The historical context involves the 1955 State Treaty, which ended the post-war occupation. Soviet agreement to this treaty was contingent upon Austrian neutrality. To present this condition as a voluntary choice rather than a coerced requirement, the neutrality law was excluded from the treaty itself. Instead, it was passed by parliament immediately after the withdrawal deadline expired. The ninety-day period for troop withdrawal concluded on October 25, 1955. Soviet forces had already departed in September, while the final regular allied troops left on the twenty-fifth. On the following day, October 26, the National Council enacted the Neutrality Act. Prior to the current observance, schools in Vienna celebrated April 13 as Liberation Day between 1946 and 1954. However, ongoing Allied presence diminished public acceptance of that date. In 1955, Education Minister Heinrich Drimmel ordered schools to mark October 25 as Flag Day, coinciding with the scheduled exit of the last soldier. The government subsequently designated October 26 as Flag Day in 1956, arguing that Austria was finally free on that specific date. A federal law formalized the choice of October 26 in 1955, citing the neutrality resolution as the primary reason. Two years later, the day gained official status as a non-working holiday. The constitutional text of the Neutrality Act states that Austria declares its permanent neutrality voluntarily to assert its independence and protect its territory. It commits the nation to maintain and defend this status using all available means. Furthermore, Austria pledges never to join military alliances or allow foreign military bases on its soil. On Monday, thousands of visitors gain access to institutions behind closed doors. The Hofburg, Federal Chancellery, Parliament, and other bodies open their facilities. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized that the army stands for values foundational to the republic, making the armed forces integral to the celebration. She described the military display as tangible and accessible. Events center on the Heroes Square, featuring a wreath laying ceremony by the President, government representatives, and victim associations. Air shows include flyovers by Eurofighters and C-130 Hercules aircraft. Approximately 1,200 recruits undergo swearing-in ceremonies accompanied by parachute landings. An AW169 Lion helicopter lands in the afternoon before the final drumbeat at 17:00, followed by the departure of a tank column. More than 900 personnel ensure smooth operations. The program aims to engage young audiences through activities such as a cyber escape room, drone course, and climbing tower. Political figures participate in guided tours. Visitors explore parliamentary chambers and the ramp, usually reserved for President Alexander Van der Bellen and high-ranking guests. In the Pillar Hall, attendees converse with members of all parliamentary factions. The Federal Chancellery hosts Chancellor Christian Stocker, Chancellery Minister Claudia Bauer, and State Secretary Alexander Pröll. Ministries on Minoritenplatz remain open. At the Hofburg, tours cover presidential representation rooms. Van der Bellen delivers his annual address in the evening, broadcast on television. Judicial institutions also host programs. Presidents and judges of the Administrative Court and Constitutional Court provide personal insights into their work. Cultural venues offer free entry, including the National Library and museums across federal states. A safety festival takes place at City Hall Square, showcasing emergency services and aid organizations.