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.
How is Mayor Andreas Ramharter addressing allegations of bias and conflicts of interest related to the controversial real estate transaction?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter: Addressing the Controversial Real Estate Deal in Leobersdorf**
**Interviewer**: Mayor Ramharter, thank you for joining us today. The recent sale of land by your company has sparked considerable controversy. Can you explain the rationale behind this sale and address the allegations of bias?
**Mayor Ramharter**: Thank you for having me. The property transaction was rooted in a long-standing development vision for Leobersdorf. We sold the land for 15.25 million euros, and the additional funds from reallocations are part of standard developmental proceedings in our area. I stand by our commitment to transparency and compliance with legal requirements. There is absolutely no bias in this transaction.
**Interviewer**: Critics argue that the construction plans disregard the historical significance of the land, associated with the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp. How do you respond to these concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter**: I understand the sensitivities involved, which is why we engaged in thorough discussions with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. We have taken steps to ensure that any development respects the site’s history. For example, we will not allow basements to be built, allowing the preservation of existing foundations. It is crucial to balance remembrance with responsible land use.
**Interviewer**: The Memorial has reported failed attempts to open a dialogue with your administration. What can you say to that?
**Mayor Ramharter**: We have tried to maintain communication and cooperation with various stakeholders, including the Mauthausen Memorial. While disagreements exist, our aim was always to work through them respectfully. We conducted ground radar surveys and other investigations to understand the site better before proceeding.
**Interviewer**: The SPÖ and the Green Party have raised alarms about the ethical implications of profiting from this development. Do you think these projects overshadow the historical context?
**Mayor Ramharter**: The municipality is committed to preserving history while also fostering development. We live in a dynamic community where economic growth is necessary. I recognize the concerns raised and assure you that we are in no way trying to erase history, but we must also consider the future of our town.
**Interviewer**: There are calls for changes in local governance structures and stricter laws regarding conflicts of interest for mayors involved in real estate. Do you agree that this is necessary?
**Mayor Ramharter**: I welcome constructive criticism of governance processes. We continuously strive to strengthen transparency and accountability. However, I believe that the local council has operated within the framework of the law, and any future amendments should be carefully deliberated to ensure they benefit the community.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Ramharter. As the conversation around this issue continues, it seems there’s a critical dialogue that needs ongoing attention.
**Mayor Ramharter**: Absolutely. Open dialogue is essential, and I appreciate the engagement from all sides. We must find a path forward that honors our past while building a sustainable future for Leobersdorf. Thank you for having me.
