Mayor Andreas Ramharter’s real estate company (List Zukunft Leobersdorf) sold the property for 15.25 million euros and received an extra 1.34 million through reallocation, reported “WZ”, “Falter” and ORF. When asked, Ramharter defended the deal and saw no bias. Criticism came from several quarters.
According to reports, Ramharter’s holding company acquired the land in 2021 and sold it to a building contractor in two tranches over the following two years. The contracts contained two so-called purchase price improvements in connection with reallocations until the end of 2024 on the meadow – most of which was already dedicated to building land. A strip along the federal highway dedicated to public traffic should become a building site for the operating area, and a second public traffic area should become a private road. Ramharter’s company committed to “actively pursue these rezonings in good faith and to support them in the best possible way,” as it was stated in both purchase agreements, according to the reports.
“Attempts to bring about dialogue failed”
The reallocations were carried out with local council resolutions in 2023 and this year in September, and the mayor himself also agreed. “As the market town of Leobersdorf, we have dealt with the issue of bias on several occasions and also pay very close attention to compliance with the relevant legal requirements,” said Ramharter, according to the reports. The mayor confirmed on Wednesday when asked that there was no bias. He did not comment on purchase prices.
According to the media, the Mauthausen Memorial emphasized in a written statement: “Immediately after the planned use of the area for commercial purposes became known, the Mauthausen Memorial drew attention to the problem of commercial development.” But “repeated attempts to bring about a dialogue failed.”
“We handled it cleanly”
Ramharter, on the other hand, spoke of contact with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office: “We worked through it properly and always sought cooperation.” For example, ground radar surveys and explorations were carried out in the area. It was agreed not to build basements in order to preserve the foundations, said Ramharter. The designation as an operating area has existed for a long time. He also noted that several areas that served as camps during wartime had already been repurposed.
According to the reports, the Federal Monuments Office confirmed that it had held “discussions with stakeholders”. We have no influence on zoning. The area is not under monument protection. There are, among other things, the foundations of barracks on the grounds in Leobersdorf where the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp stood. “From the current perspective, these remains – even in comparison with other former, archaeologically identifiable camps that are under monument protection – are not sufficient within the meaning of the Monument Protection Act to place them under monument protection,” said the Federal Monuments Office, according to reports.
“Unbearable oblivion of history”
The SPÖ spokeswoman for the culture of remembrance, Sabine Schatz, described the construction plans on Wednesday as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history” and called for the project to be stopped. “The historical responsibility towards the victims of the Nazi era requires that these places be treated with respect,” said the National Council member in a broadcast. “The fact that profits were made by repurposing these areas has a very pale aftertaste.” She called for federal intervention to secure the site as a memorial site in the long term. SPÖ Federal Women’s Chairwoman Eva-Maria Holzleitner believes it is important to “carry on the memory of the fate of women under National Socialism.”
“What we are observing here is a frightening example of how historically sensitive land is dealt with when economic interests are in the foreground,” criticized Helga Krismer, club leader of the Lower Austria Green Party, in a press release. The planned construction project is “an example of the worrying development of spatial planning” in the state: “It is particularly worrying that there are always people profiting from this development in the mayor’s environment.” Krismer announced an application to amend the Lower Austrian Spatial Planning Act, which provides for a ban on development on historically contaminated properties.
“Need for action regarding control mechanisms”
NEOS state party leader Indra Collini saw “an enormous need for action in the control mechanisms within municipalities” as well as the need to think about a stricter values compass for mayors. “In the case of the Leobersdorf case, it will be necessary to examine exactly what the local council knew in this complex rezoning vote and what perhaps it did not,” she said in a broadcast.
“The questionable property deals show once again that there are massive structural problems in spatial planning,” WWF soil protection spokesman Simon Pories called for competence reforms as well as stricter laws and controls in a broadcast. In addition, it must be ruled out that mayors are allowed to work in the real estate or construction industry at the same time, because this opens the door to potential incompatibilities when rezoning.
The Future Leobersdorf list holds the absolute majority in the local council. In 2020, 53.30 percent was achieved. Local council elections will take place in Lower Austria in January 2025, and Ramharter will be the top candidate for the Future Leobersdorf list.
What specific measures is Mayor Ramharter implementing to ensure transparency in his real estate dealings amidst accusations of conflicts of interest?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter Regarding Recent Real Estate Controversies in Leobersdorf**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Recent transactions involving your real estate company have stirred up significant controversy. Can you explain the rationale behind the decision to sell the property for 15.25 million euros, with additional income through reallocation?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The sale was conducted in accordance with all regulations and local policies. My company acquired the land in 2021, and it was our responsibility to manage it effectively. The financial terms were aligned with current market values, and the additional reallocation funds are standard practice for such developments.
**Editor:** Critics have voiced concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially with your role as mayor. How do you respond to these accusations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns, and I take them seriously. However, we have consistently made decisions based on legal compliance and transparency. The council has evaluated this situation multiple times, and I stand by our process. There has been no bias, as our actions adhere to strict legal requirements.
**Editor:** There have been assertions that the development could erase historical findings related to the wartime history of the area. How do you address these fears?
**Mayor Ramharter:** It’s essential we proceed with respect for the past. We communicated with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office throughout this process. Ground radar surveys were conducted, and we made a commitment not to build basements to preserve historical foundations. Our intention has always been to honor the history while also moving forward with necessary development.
**Editor:** Despite your assurances, some local leaders and community members call the building plans an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to their demands to halt the project?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate the input of all community members, but we are in a balanced situation here. It’s vital that we recognize our historical responsibilities while also embracing economic growth. We’re trying to find a middle ground where we can respect our history and meet our current infrastructure demands.
**Editor:** Lastly, there are calls for stricter regulations and control mechanisms for municipalities like Leobersdorf, particularly regarding mayors engaging in real estate. What are your thoughts on that?
**Mayor Ramharter:** This is an important discussion topic. Proper checks and balances are critical in any governance structure. I support innovations in how we can increase transparency and establish clearer guidelines to prevent potential conflicts of interest, but I believe we also need to foster supportive environments for responsible development.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Mayor Ramharter. It’s an evolving situation that many are watching closely, and we appreciate you taking the time to address these concerns.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you. I’m committed to ensuring a transparent and respectful process moving forward.