René Schimanek convicted of possessing explosives and war material

René Schimanek, a former office manager for FPÖ National Council President Walter Rosenkranz, has been convicted of the unauthorized possession of explosives and war material. A court in Krems sentenced Schimanek to five months of probation and a fine of 7,200 euros after authorities discovered 79 detonator caps, three electric detonators, and an irritant projectile during a weapons ban inspection at his residence in Langenlois. Schimanek pleaded guilty, and the verdict is now legally binding.

This conviction follows a previous ruling in March 2026, where Schimanek received a one-year suspended sentence for national socialist re-engagement (Wiederbetätigung).

The Green Party has criticized the FPÖ for maintaining professional ties with Schimanek, noting his transition from Rosenkranz’s office to the Freedom Educational Institute despite his criminal record. Lukas Hammer, the Green Party's spokesperson on right-wing extremism, called on FPÖ leadership to explain why Schimanek remains active within their political environment.