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.
How does Mayor Ramharter plan to balance historical preservation with development needs in relation to the property sale?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter on Recent Property Deal Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mayor Ramharter. Your recent property deal has garnered significant media attention and criticism. Can you clarify your perspective on the accusations of bias regarding the sale of the land?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I want to emphasize that I absolutely see no bias in this transaction. The sale of the property for 15.25 million euros was conducted transparently and in accordance with legal requirements. We have addressed this issue repeatedly, and I’ve assured everyone that all procedures were followed correctly.
**Interviewer:** The Mauthausen Memorial has expressed concerns about the area being repurposed for commercial use, referring to it as a “forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to these claims?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the sensitivity surrounding this topic. We did reach out to the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office to ensure that we handled everything appropriately. Ground radar surveys were conducted, and agreements were made not to build basements to protect historical foundations. We are committed to preserving the memory of the past while accommodating current needs.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including members of the SPÖ and the Green Party, have called for stricter control mechanisms on local governance regarding these types of property deals. Do you believe there are flaws in the current system?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We consistently strive for better governance, and dialogue is essential. However, I believe our processes are sound. We have historic areas that have previously been repurposed and the local council operates with due diligence. If there are suggestions for improvement, we are open to discussing them constructively.
**Interviewer:** Your political opposition is calling for federal intervention to secure the site as a memorial. What is your stance on this?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I fully respect the historical significance of the land and the sentiments of those advocating for its preservation. However, it’s crucial to balance historical remembrance with the pressing needs of our community. My goal is to ensure that the site is respected while also allowing for sustainable development.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with local council elections coming up in January 2025, how do you plan to address these controversies moving forward?
**Mayor Ramharter:** It’s vital that we continue to communicate with our community and stakeholders. I aim to be transparent about our decisions and ensure that all voices are heard. Addressing these concerns through responsible governance is a priority for us, and I believe our track record will speak for itself in the upcoming elections.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights on this matter. We look forward to seeing how this develops.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my views.
