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 – which was largely already dedicated to building land. A strip along the federal highway dedicated to public traffic should become a building site, 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 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 member of the National Council 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 measures are being taken to ensure transparency in the recent property deal involving Mayor Ramharter?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter on Recent Property Deal Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Mayor Ramharter, thank you for taking the time to discuss the recent sale of property in Leobersdorf, which has sparked some public criticism. Can you provide clarity on the sale process?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The property was sold for 15.25 million euros, and we also received an additional 1.34 million through planned reallocations. This transaction followed proper legal procedures, and when we acquired the land in 2021, it was already largely designated for building purposes.
**Interviewer:** Critics have pointed to a potential conflict of interest, given your involvement with the real estate company. How do you respond to those allegations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns, but I must emphasize that there has been no bias in how we handled this deal. We have maintained transparency throughout the process, and our decisions have always prioritized compliance with legal requirements.
**Interviewer:** The Mauthausen Memorial has expressed their concerns regarding the potential commercial development of this site, citing a historical significance. What steps did your administration take to address these concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We have engaged with representatives from the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. We conducted ground radar surveys and have agreed not to include basements in the construction plans to protect existing foundations. It’s important to note that this area has long been designated for development, and we’ve actively sought cooperation in managing the land’s historical context.
**Interviewer:** Some members of the community and political representatives are calling the plans an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you reconcile economic development with historical preservation?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate the importance of preserving historical sites, and we have noted the concerns raised. It’s a balancing act between necessary economic growth and honoring the past. The foundations present in this area do not meet the criteria for monument protection as confirmed by the Federal Monuments Office.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, some political figures are advocating for reforms in how municipalities manage historic lands. What are your thoughts on potential changes to policy in this area?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I recognize the need for ongoing dialogue about our land use policies, specifically regarding historically sensitive areas. It’s crucial that we work together to find a path that respects both historical significance and the economic vitality of our community.
**Interviewer:** with local elections approaching, how do you plan to address these controversies with your constituents?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I plan to engage in open discussions with the community to address their concerns directly. Transparency and accountability are key, and I am committed to ensuring that residents feel their voices are heard as we navigate these complex issues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for sharing your perspective on these important issues.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we keep the lines of communication open.
