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 steps is Mayor Ramharter planning to take to ensure transparency and community engagement following the recent real estate deal controversy?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter Regarding Recent Real Estate Deal Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Mayor Ramharter, thank you for joining us today. There has been significant outcry over the recent sale of land by your company, which has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and historical preservation. How do you respond to critiques regarding bias in this transaction?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I must clarify that there was absolutely no bias in this deal. We conducted the transaction in accordance with all legal requirements and worked transparently throughout the process. The local council has also examined this situation multiple times to ensure compliance.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including representatives from the Mauthausen Memorial and various political parties, suggest that the development plans on this land represent a neglect of historical responsibilities related to the Nazi era. How do you justify proceeding with commercial development in this context?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns surrounding historical preservation. We actively sought dialogue with the Mauthausen Memorial, and I believe we approached this matter responsibly. We performed ground surveys and agreed not to build basements to protect any remaining foundations. The area has a long history of being designated for commercial use, and earlier repurposing was successfully carried out in similar cases.
**Interviewer:** The SPÖ has described the plans as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” What do you think about the call for federal intervention to establish the site as a memorial?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I respect the sentiments expressed by the SPÖ and others. However, it is essential to note that the Federal Monuments Office confirmed that the site does not meet the criteria for protection under the Monument Protection Act. Our priority has been to ensure cooperation and to handle this project with integrity.
**Interviewer:** There are calls from various political figures for stricter regulations on spatial planning, especially regarding historical sites. Do you think there is a need for reform in this area?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe there should always be discussions on how we can improve governance and planning frameworks. But it’s crucial that these discussions are based on factual assessments, not emotions. We have adhered to all planning guidelines, and any reform should aim for a balanced approach to development and historical preservation.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, what steps will you take to address the concerns raised by the community and critics?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We will continue to engage with stakeholders and ensure that decisions are made with the community’s best interests in mind. I am committed to facilitating transparencies in our processes and addressing concerns through constructive dialogue. Ultimately, we want to find a solution that respects our history while also promoting responsible development.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for the opportunity to clarify our position.