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 steps is the local government taking to ensure that the development of the former Hirtenberg concentration camp site acknowledges and respects its historical significance?**
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Mayor Ramharter. Thank you for joining us today. There has been significant controversy surrounding the recent property deals involving the former Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp site. Can you provide some clarity on why this area is being repurposed?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The designation of this area as an operating zone has been in place for quite some time. Our municipality is facing a pressing need for development, and repurposing such lands is necessary to support growth and create new economic opportunities.
**Interviewer:** Many critics, including representatives from the SPÖ and the Green Party, have called the construction plans an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to these concerns about historical responsibility and the potential erasure of memory?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I certainly understand and respect the concerns regarding historical awareness. We have taken these viewpoints into account and have been in contact with various stakeholders, including the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office, to ensure that any development respects the site’s history. I believe we have handled this matter with transparency and care.
**Interviewer:** Critics argue that the additional profits made from these transactions cast a shadow over the integrity of the deals. What can you say about the financial aspects of this property sale?
**Mayor Ramharter:** The financial elements of this deal have been approached with due diligence. The property was acquired in accordance with existing regulations, and the profits reinvested back into the community. We are committed to exploring development that respects both financial and historical considerations, while also being mindful of the site’s past.
**Interviewer:** The Federal Monuments Office stated the site does not meet the criteria for monument protection. Does this decision absolve the local government of any responsibility regarding the site’s history?
**Mayor Ramharter:** While the area is not under monument protection as defined by current laws, we still regard it as historically significant. Our intent is to engage with the memory of those who suffered there, and we’ve committed to conducting ground surveys to respect the area’s heritage. It’s not merely about legal obligations but also moral and ethical considerations.
**Interviewer:** There are calls for action regarding control mechanisms within municipalities, particularly concerning mayors’ roles in property dealings. How do you view these suggestions for reform?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I think it’s vital for municipalities to have strong oversight mechanisms. I welcome constructive criticism and discussions around improving transparency in local governance. We need to ensure public trust is maintained while balancing development needs.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for sharing your thoughts on these critical issues. We appreciate your time today.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. It’s an ongoing dialog that needs to continue to honour our past while forging a future for our community.