Prosecutor's Office Launches New Investigation Against Bludenz Mayor Simon Tschann

Supreme Court Ruling and Second Conviction

In February 2026, the court found Tschann guilty once again. The sentence was set at eight months of probation as well as an unconditional fine of 60,000 euros. The verdict is not final; the defense has announced it will file an appeal.

The charges against Tschann relate specifically to a building permit for a residential construction project in Bludenz. According to the indictment, he signed the decision despite recognizable legal concerns. In doing so, he is said to have used his official powers as mayor in a derelict manner.

The case is attracting considerable political attention in the Vorarlberg city. Tschann belongs to the ÖVP, which has long played a central role in municipal politics in Bludenz. The matter thus also touches on questions of political responsibility at the local level.

Political Dimension in Bludenz

With the Prosecutor's Office now announcing the resumption of investigations, the legal dispute surrounding the mayor is being prolonged. It remains open whether another main hearing will take place or whether the proceedings will be discontinued in some other way.

Legal experts point out that decisions of the Supreme Court are binding on the lower instances. The annulment of the first verdict and the second guilty verdict make clear that the question of whether Tschann violated his official duties when signing the building permit continues to be regarded as disputed.

Outlook on the Further Proceedings

Kronen Zeitung and other media outlets had already reported extensively on the proceedings in previous years. Attention is now once again turning to Bludenz, where the population is awaiting a final resolution. Political observers see the proceedings as also a stress test for the local ÖVP.

The City of Bludenz has so far not publicly commented on the ongoing investigations. It remains to be seen how the new indictment will affect Tschann's conduct in office and whether the responsible bodies will draw consequences.

Should the Prosecutor's Office bring charges, the Feldkirch Regional Court would once again have to deal with the complex of building permit and breach of official duty. Until then, the presumption of innocence applies to Tschann, as long as no final verdict has been reached.