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 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. 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 storage 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 specific measures are being taken to ensure the historical significance of the land is preserved during development in Leobersdorf?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter on the Controversial Property Deal in Leobersdorf**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mayor Ramharter. The recent sale of a piece of land by your company has drawn considerable criticism. Can you explain the rationale behind this deal?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. First and foremost, I want to clarify that the sale was conducted in compliance with all legal requirements and guidelines. We sold the property for 15.25 million euros, and the additional reallocation fees were part of a standard practice when dealing with land development.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including the SPÖ’s Sabine Schatz, have described this situation as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history,” given the site’s connection to the Hirtenberg concentration camp. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the sensitivities surrounding this area and take them very seriously. However, we engaged in thorough discussions with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. We ensured that any development respects the site’s history. For instance, we agreed not to build basements to preserve any existing foundations.
**Interviewer:** The Mauthausen Memorial mentioned that attempts to initiate a dialogue about these developments were unsuccessful. Can you elaborate on your communications with them?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We have continuously reached out and engaged in discussions with the Mauthausen Memorial and other stakeholders throughout this process. We conducted ground radar surveys to address any concerns and sought cooperation at every step. My office is committed to addressing historical sensitivities while also promoting responsible development.
**Interviewer:** There are calls for changes to spatial planning laws to prevent future conflicts of interest, particularly regarding mayors engaging in real estate. What are your thoughts on this?
**Mayor Ramharter:** It’s essential to have robust systems in place for transparency and accountability. While I believe my actions have always been within the bounds of the law, I agree that we should continuously evaluate our mechanisms for oversight to prevent any potential conflicts of interest and ensure community trust.
**Interviewer:** As the upcoming local council elections approach, how do you plan to address these concerns and restore public confidence?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I am dedicated to fostering an open and transparent dialogue with the community. I believe that by continuing to engage with local residents and stakeholders, and by demonstrating responsible governance, we can rebuild trust. I am committed to leading our community with integrity as we move forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mayor Ramharter.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue.