Vienna prosecutors investigate FPÖ councillor over suspected Nazi re-engagement

ORF reported on Tuesday that the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating Vienna city councillor Leo Lugner of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) on suspicion of Nazi re-engagement. The investigation reportedly began before Lugner took office.

The case has involved a house search and the analysis of chat messages, prosecutors confirmed to Radio Wien after a report by Der Standard.

Lugner has been listed as a suspect for several years. As a member of the Vienna state parliament, he is protected from prosecution by parliamentary immunity. However, the investigation began before he held a mandate, when he was a spokesperson for the Vienna FPÖ.

Der Standard reported that Lugner could not be reached for comment. He is presumed innocent.

Prosecutors are also said to have offered Lugner a diversion agreement. If he meets certain conditions, no indictment would be filed. The decision is reportedly supported by the Justice Ministry.

The allegations against Lugner emerged during research into links between the Freedom Party Youth and the Identitarian movement. National Socialist ideas were allegedly shared in that context.

The Social Democratic Party and the Greens criticised Lugner on Tuesday. Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig of the Social Democratic Party called for the allegations to be clarified and said there must be a clear and unequivocal stance against every form of right-wing extremism. Judith Pühringer, leader of the Vienna Greens, called for Lugner’s resignation, saying there could be no place for such ideas in Vienna City Hall.