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.
How does Mayor Ramharter plan to address the growing calls for stricter regulations regarding conflicts of interest for local government officials?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter: Addressing Controversy Over Real Estate Deal**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Your recent real estate deal, which involved the sale of property for 15.25 million euros, has drawn significant criticism, especially regarding perceived conflicts of interest. Can you clarify your stance on the allegations of bias?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I want to be very clear: I see no bias in this deal. We followed all legal requirements and handled the transactions transparently. This property was largely already designated for building, and the enhancements we negotiated were merely in line with existing zoning laws.
*Interviewer: Some critics, including members of the Mauthausen Memorial and various political figures, have expressed concerns over the historical significance of the land, citing an ‘unbearable forgetfulness of history.’ How do you respond to these claims?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** I absolutely understand the sensitivity surrounding this area. However, I want to emphasize that we engaged in thorough consultations with stakeholders, including the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. We conducted ground radar surveys, and measures have been taken to respect the historical context—like agreeing not to build basements to preserve historical foundations. Our goal has always been to balance development with respect for the past.
*Interviewer: The Federal Monuments Office stated that the area does not qualify for protection under the Monument Protection Act. However, some lawmakers have called for federal intervention to secure the site as a memorial. Do you think it’s necessary to re-evaluate this decision?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** I respect the views of those advocating for the site, but it’s crucial to rely on expert assessments. The Federal Monuments Office has made it clear that, from their perspective, the site does not warrant protection. I have always been open to dialogue and would welcome any constructive discussions moving forward.
*Interviewer: Many political leaders are calling for stricter control mechanisms for mayors involved in real estate. What is your response to claims that current regulations might not be sufficient to prevent conflicts of interest?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** It’s important for all local governments to continuously evaluate our oversight mechanisms. I have always committed to transparency and ethical practices in my dealings. If there are suggestions for improvement in legislation, I am open to them, as long as they are aimed at enhancing governance without hindering necessary developments.
*Interviewer: With local council elections approaching in January 2025, how do you believe this situation might affect your campaign?*
**Mayor Ramharter:** I remain confident in the support of the community. I believe that if we continue to communicate openly about our decisions and their implications, the residents of Leobersdorf will see our dedication to responsible governance and planning. I am committed to addressing their concerns while ensuring our town’s steady growth.
*Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Mayor Ramharter. We appreciate you addressing these important issues.*
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to further discussions about how we can move forward together as a community.
