Mayor Tschann convicted: Abuse of office shakes Bludenz!

Mayor Tschann convicted: Abuse of office shakes Bludenz!

The Mayor of Bludenz, Simon Tschann (ÖVP), was convicted by the Feldkirch Regional Court on Wednesday. A lay judge found that the 32-year-old had granted a view of the building and a building permit for a residential complex in 2021, although the legal requirements were not fulfilled and that he was aware of this. Tschann received an eleven -month prison sentence on probation and a fine of 51,000 euros. The verdict is not yet final, as OE24 .

After the verdict, Tschann was visibly affected and expressed that he was surprised by the decision and remains convinced of his innocence. His defense lawyer stated that he wanted to file a nullity complaint and appeal. Despite the judgment, Tschann plans to stay in office and to run again in the upcoming elections on March 16, 2025. He emphasized that he would continue to perceive the official business and that a prison sentence of twelve months would lead to immediate resignation.

Details of the abuse of office

The allegation against Tschann revolves around the granting of a building notice for a residential complex with 23 units, whereby he is said to have ignored the critical comments of the official expert and is said to have faked false cooperation. According to the public prosecutor, an unspeakable meeting was launched in order to simulate approval for the project. The managing director of the city administration confirmed that there was no official approval. This enormity questioned the credibility of the mayor and his decision, as well as vorarlberg.orf.at reported.

Tschann, who has been mayor of the smallest city of Vorarlberg since autumn 2020, referred to the practices of the city administration, in which he is not responsible for the detailed examination of modest, but only signed the documents that have already been tested. However, the court realized that Tschann would have been obliged to examine the documents more detailed, and ultimately condemned him for abuse of office and wrong certification. The public prosecutor also announced an appeal, which continues the procedure.