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 do you plan to enhance transparency and public trust in local governance regarding future real estate transactions involving the mayor’s office?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter on Recent Real Estate Controversy in Leobersdorf**
**Interviewer**: Mayor Ramharter, thank you for joining us. Recent reports have brought attention to the sale of land in Leobersdorf by your real estate company, valued at 15.25 million euros, along with additional earnings from reallocation. How do you respond to the criticisms regarding potential bias in this deal?
**Mayor Ramharter**: Thank you for having me. I want to make it clear that there has been no bias in this transaction. We have adhered strictly to legal requirements throughout this process. The facts are that this land was acquired by my holding company and sold in accordance with all regulatory guidelines.
**Interviewer**: Critics, including representatives from the Mauthausen Memorial, have voiced concerns about the implications of commercial development in areas previously used for wartime camps. What steps have you taken to address these concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter**: We have always sought cooperation with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. I can assure you that ground radar surveys were conducted, and we agreed not to build basements to preserve any historical foundations. It’s important to note that parts of this land have been designated for commercial use for quite some time and are not under monument protection.
**Interviewer**: It has been described as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history” by SPÖ spokesperson Sabine Schatz. How do you reconcile the need for economic development with the historical significance of the site?
**Mayor Ramharter**: I fully respect our historical past, and we have taken that into account in our planning. Economic development does not have to come at the expense of historical memory. Already, some former camp sites have been repurposed, and I believe it’s possible to honor history while also allowing for growth and development that economically benefits our community.
**Interviewer**: There are calls for changes in local governance, particularly concerning controls around real estate dealings by mayors. What is your stance on this?
**Mayor Ramharter**: I understand the concerns raised. However, I believe that what we need is robust dialogue on governance practices to ensure transparency without hindering responsible development. I fully support discussions aimed at improving local governance structures—this is essential for maintaining public trust.
**Interviewer**: Some political parties are pushing for legal reforms to restrict such dealings. How do you see the future of real estate governance in Leobersdorf?
**Mayor Ramharter**: The future requires a balanced approach—one that safeguards historical contexts while allowing for necessary economic progress. I am open to collaborating with all stakeholders, including political parties, to refine our processes. Local elections are approaching, and I think this will be an opportune time for voters to weigh in on these governance issues.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights on this complex issue.
**Mayor Ramharter**: Thank you for having me; it’s crucial to have these discussions as we move forward.
