Investigations against Langenlois politicians for right contacts!

Investigations against Langenlois politicians for right contacts!

Langenlois, Österreich - A sensational case shakes Austrian politics: FPÖ city councilor René Schimanek is with precise observation after new allegations have appeared on its alleged contacts to the right-wing German group "Saxon separatists". According to the e-mails published by the Greens from 2010 to 2015, Schimanek was in direct contact with people from the right-wing terrorist association. In these emails, racist and historical statements are said to have been made that the Greens consider questionable. Schimanek asked for the dissolution of his employment relationship on Friday and will no longer be employed by the National Council from March 1st, as it says in a message that was published on Friday.

The Krems public prosecutor's office has already initiated investigations against Schimanek for violations of the prohibition and weapons law. In a forest house in which he was formerly living, large amounts of ammunition and Nazi devotionals were discovered. These objects could be connected to illegal activities, since the Forsthaus may have acted as a retreat for the extremist groups. The allegations throw a shadow on Schimanek's political integrity, but National Council President Walter Rosenkranz defends his employee. In a statement, he confirmed that Schimanek had always acted correctly and called for an impartial approach: "I am convinced that all the allegations and twists will not only educate themselves, but also lead to the full rehabilitation of his reputation," he said. Despite this recognition, the Greens see urgent need for action and immediately demand his suspension.

polarizing political reactions

The SPÖ and the Greens agree and have requested the immediate suspension of the FPÖ city council. Sabine Schatz from the SPÖ emphasized that it was unacceptable to continue to leave a person in such a responsible position against the investigation due to possible connections to right -wing extremists. Sharp criticism also came from the ÖVP: General Secretary Alexander Pröll demanded consequences and recalled that Rosenkranz promised to be available for all parties when it was appointed. The allegations against Schimanek weigh heavily and the pressure on the rosary is growing.

The developments in this scandalous case are alarming and arouses concerns about the interrelationships from extremist ideologies to the higher political levels. "The alarm signs for all democrats have to stand on red," said Lukas Hammer, the right-wing extremism spokesman for the Greens.