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 business area, while 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. When asked on Wednesday, the mayor confirmed 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 were the key factors that influenced Mayor Ramharter’s decision to proceed with the controversial real estate sale?
**Interview: Mayor Andreas Ramharter on Recent Real Estate Controversy**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Mayor Ramharter. There’s been a lot of scrutiny surrounding the sale of the property by your real estate company, which generated significant profit amid criticisms of possible bias. Can you explain the reasoning behind the sale?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The sale of the property was a strategic decision made in line with the economic interests of our community. We followed all legal procedures and had the necessary local council approvals. I firmly believe there was no bias involved in this transaction.
*Interviewer: Reports indicate that the property was acquired in 2021 and sold in parts to a building contractor with certain zoning agreements attached. How do you ensure transparency in such transactions?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** Transparency is essential in all municipal operations. The contracts contained commitments to pursue zoning improvements, and we have always prioritized compliance with legal standards. Our local council has been involved throughout the process, ensuring that every step is above board.
*Interviewer: Critics, including representatives from the Mauthausen Memorial, argue that the construction plans ignore historical sensitivities. How do you respond to these concerns?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the sensitivity around the historical context of this site. We’ve engaged with the Mauthausen Memorial and conducted ground surveys to ensure that we respect the area’s history. Our commitment to preserving foundational structures, such as avoiding basements, demonstrates our conscientious approach.
*Interviewer: The SPÖ spokesperson has described the construction plans as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” Do you think this project respects the memory of those who suffered during the Nazi era?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** Yes, I do. Our intention is not to erase history but to support economic development in Leobersdorf responsibly. The Federal Monuments Office has confirmed that the area does not fall under monument protection, which has informed our planning decisions.
*Interviewer: Critics are also calling for stricter regulations concerning local government dealings with real estate. What is your position on potential reforms?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** I welcome discussions on how we can improve control mechanisms within municipalities. It’s crucial that we adapt to changing expectations for transparency. However, I also firmly believe in the integrity of our current processes and the importance of not hindering legitimate economic development.
*Interviewer: With local council elections approaching in January 2025, what is your vision for Leobersdorf’s future in light of these challenges?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** My vision is to continue fostering growth and development while remaining deeply respectful of our community’s history. I hope to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that our strategies reflect both our economic aspirations and our cultural responsibilities. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify our position.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights.*