Vienna celebrates Labor Day

Austrian workers and leftist symphatizers turned out in full force along the magnificent central boulevard of Vienna- the Ringstrasse to demonstrate against what they consider to be unfettered free- market policies promoted by the EU and for more social programs to help the poor and unemployed. Every year this demonstration normally attracts up to 200 000 marchers and spectators, but the police estimated this year's attendance at over 300 000. Many participants wished to show their concern about the uncertain state of European economy and growing unemployment, others wished to express anti- globalization and anti- IMF sentiments. In a typical Vienniese twist, some anarchist and anti- American slogans were also evident.