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 are in place to ensure transparency and accountability in real estate decisions made by public officials like yourself?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter Regarding the Recent Real Estate Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Recently, your real estate company, List Zukunft Leobersdorf, sold land for 15.25 million euros, which has raised some eyebrows. Can you explain the circumstances surrounding this sale?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The sale was conducted in compliance with all legal requirements and was part of a planned development that has been in the works since 2021. The property was acquired with the intent to enhance the area, and I stand by the process we followed.
**Interviewer:** Critics have expressed concerns about potential bias, particularly since the sales agreements included provisions for reallocation and rezoning. How do you respond to allegations that this was a conflict of interest?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I can assure you that there was no bias in this deal. We have gone to great lengths to ensure transparency and legality in our actions. The local council has been involved at every step, and we have prioritized community interests throughout this process.
**Interviewer:** There have been statements from organizations like the Mauthausen Memorial criticizing the project, stating that it overlooks historical sensitivity. How do you reconcile this with your development plans?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns surrounding historical contexts, and I want to emphasize that we did engage with both the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office during this process. We have taken measures to conduct surveys and ensure that any development is respectful to the historical significance of the sites involved.
**Interviewer:** Sabine Schatz from the SPÖ has called the construction plans an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” What assurance can you provide to those who believe that profit is being prioritized over remembrance?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I respect Ms. Schatz’s perspective, but I believe our actions demonstrate a commitment to balancing development with historical sensitivity. It’s worth noting that much of this land has existed as building area for some time, and we are merely following through with plans that have long been established.
**Interviewer:** There seems to be growing concern about structural problems in spatial planning, particularly with mayors engaged in real estate. What are your thoughts on the need for reform in this area?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I acknowledge that discussions around governance and oversight are critical in maintaining public trust. I am open to dialogue about improving mechanisms to ensure accountability in local government. However, I firmly believe that our actions were above board, and I am prepared to defend them.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter. As local council elections approach in January 2025, how do you plan to address the concerns raised about your administration’s actions?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate your question. My focus will remain on engaging with the community, addressing their concerns transparently, and ensuring that decisions made reflect the best interests of Leobersdorf. I am committed to moving forward constructively as we approach the upcoming elections.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mayor Ramharter. We look forward to seeing how this situation develops.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position.
