Tschann condemned: Mayor of Bludenz remains in office despite abuse of office!

Tschann condemned: Mayor of Bludenz remains in office despite abuse of office!

The Mayor of Bludenz, Simon Tschann (ÖVP), was convicted of office abuse at the Feldkirch Regional Court on Wednesday. Tschann received a probation penalty of eleven months and a fine of 51,000 euros. The court found that in 2021 he had given illegal building permits for a residential complex, although the necessary conditions were not met. According to the public prosecutor, the project was enforced against the information from experts, which led to the accusation of abuse of office. Details about failed exams and false claims in official statements also heated up the case, as the Kurier reported.

Tschann was surprised by the judgment and emphasized that he was not guilty. In an interview with ORF Vorarlberg, he said: "I am absolutely amazed at the judgment. I am still convinced that I am not guilty." His defense lawyer announced that he would make a complaint and an appeal, and Tschann himself intended to remain in office and to take part in the upcoming elections in March 2025. In the current political situation, however, opposition representatives are calling for his resignation, while the ÖVP supports it and asks for whom he is on office until the decision of the appeal.

political reactions and future prospects

The opposition in the Vorarlberg state parliament reacted sharply to the judgment and demands Tschann's resignation. While the Greens and NEOS take a clear position, the support of ÖVP club chairwoman Veronika Marte leaves mixed feelings. She advocates that Tschann should remain in office until the appeal is clarified. The judgment not only questions Tschann's political future, but also the trust of the citizens in the office. Despite the tense situation, Tschann emphasizes his determination to continue: "Of course I stay in the office of the city of Bludenz. I have a great team and we will continue to work very well." His fate remains uncertain, and developments around the appointment could have a deep impact on the upcoming elections, so .