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 are the long-term urban development goals that influenced the real estate deal made by Mayor Ramharter’s company?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter on the Controversial Real Estate Deal**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Recent reports highlighted the sale of a property by your company for 15.25 million euros. Can you explain the rationale behind this deal?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The sale aligns with our long-term urban development goals. We acquired the land in 2021 and planned for its reallocation, which is a common practice in municipal planning. The property already had significant development potential. We believe this deal will contribute positively to our local economy.
*Interviewer: However, the deal has faced criticism regarding potential bias due to your dual role as mayor and real estate company owner. How do you respond to those concerns?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns, but I assure you there was no bias in this deal. We have consistently adhered to legal standards, and transparency has been our priority. The local council has thoroughly reviewed these matters multiple times.
*Interviewer: Critics, including representatives from the Mauthausen Memorial and the SPÖ, have expressed that this project represents an “unbearable forgetfulness of history,” referencing the land’s connection to the Hirtenberg concentration camp. How do you address these historical sensitivities?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** We approached this with complete respect for historical context. We engaged with the Mauthausen Memorial and carried out necessary surveys to ensure that the site is handled appropriately. It’s important to note that while the area does hold historical significance, it hasn’t been designated as a protected site.
*Interviewer: There are calls from various political parties for stricter controls on mayors engaging in real estate. What is your stance on this issue?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe there must be a balance between economic development and historical respect. Conversations surrounding improved governance structures are essential, and I am open to discussions about best practices that ensure no conflicts of interest arise.
*Interviewer: Local elections are set for January 2025. In light of this controversy, do you foresee any impact on your campaign?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** It’s too early to tell. I remain committed to the principles of transparency and responsible governance. Voters will ultimately decide based on our actions and their impact on the community.
*Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Mayor Ramharter. We appreciate your time today.*
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to continuing the dialogue.
