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 – most of which was 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. 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. “Historical responsibility towards the victims of the Nazi era demands 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 measures is Mayor Ramharter taking to ensure transparency and accountability in future property deals?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter on Recent Property Deal Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. There has been significant media coverage regarding the sale of a property by your company for 15.25 million euros, along with additional funds from reallocations. Can you clarify your stance on this deal?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I want to emphasize that we made this transaction with complete transparency and adherence to legal guidelines. There is no bias or misconduct in how this deal unfolded. We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that all processes were executed properly.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including representatives from the Mauthausen Memorial, have expressed concerns about the historical significance of the land and the potential commercial development. How do you respond to these criticisms?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the sensitivity surrounding this issue. We have indeed maintained open lines of communication with stakeholders like the Mauthausen Memorial. We conducted thorough ground surveys and made concessions, such as agreeing not to build basements. It’s important to note that the area in question is not under monument protection, and previous repurposing of similar sites indicates that we are not acting recklessly.
**Interviewer:** The SPÖ and other parties have described the construction plans as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you reconcile economic development with historical responsibilities?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I recognize the importance of history and the legacy of the sites involved. However, economic development is also vital for our community’s future. We’re committed to striking a balance—preserving history while also ensuring progress. The specific land developments follow established legal frameworks, and we’re dedicated to doing so in a respectful manner.
**Interviewer:** There have been calls for reforming control mechanisms in local governance regarding property deals. Do you believe there is a need for oversight changes?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe in accountability and transparency. While I maintain that we handled this deal appropriately, I am open to discussions about how oversight can be improved. This is essential for public trust and ensuring that similar situations are handled even better in the future.
**Interviewer:** Given the upcoming local council elections in 2025, how do you plan to address these criticisms and maintain public confidence?
**Mayor Ramharter:** It’s crucial to engage with the community and address concerns head-on. I will continue to communicate openly about our plans and decisions, ensuring that the public understands the rationale behind them. Building trust will be a priority as we approach the elections.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights on this complex issue.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I appreciate the chance to discuss it.
