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 for the operating area, and 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 the 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. “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 are being taken to ensure the land associated with the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp is respectfully managed and preserved?
### Interview with Andreas Ramharter, Mayor of Leobersdorf
**Interviewer**: Mayor Ramharter, thank you for joining us today. There has been significant controversy surrounding the recent property sale of land previously associated with the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp. Can you explain your perspective on the deal and the criticisms being raised?
**Andreas Ramharter**: Thank you for having me. I understand the concerns that have been expressed regarding this sensitive piece of land. However, I want to clarify that we have acted within the legal framework. The designation of this area as an operating zone has existed for a long time, and our actions were in line with that zoning.
**Interviewer**: Critics, including members of the SPÖ and the Green Party, have described this situation as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” What is your response to these claims?
**Andreas Ramharter**: I believe it’s essential to balance historical memory with practical land use. We have taken steps to ensure that the site’s history is preserved; for instance, ground radar surveys were conducted to identify any significant remains before development commenced. We also agreed not to build basements, which would interfere with any existing foundations.
**Interviewer**: The Federal Monuments Office indicated that there isn’t enough historical significance to place the site under monument protection. Does this satisfy you, or do you see further actions as necessary to honor the victims and their memories?
**Andreas Ramharter**: The lack of monument protection does reflect a legal perspective on the site’s significance. However, I recognize the importance of remembrance. We are open to collaboration with organizations like the Mauthausen Memorial to ensure there’s proper dialog regarding this delicate history.
**Interviewer**: Some have called for federal intervention to secure the site as a memorial. Do you think that would be an appropriate step?
**Andreas Ramharter**: If there is a consensus among stakeholders that the site should serve as a memorial, I am open to that possibility. However, any changes must still respect the existing laws and frameworks regarding land use and planning.
**Interviewer**: There are calls for stricter regulations surrounding property deals involving local officials to prevent conflicts of interest. What are your views on this matter?
**Andreas Ramharter**: I can assure you that we have complied with all legal requirements and addressed any potential biases rigorously. That said, I am always open to discussions about enhancing transparency and accountability in local government practices. Ensuring trust in our political processes is vital.
**Interviewer**: looking ahead, what are your plans for the upcoming local elections in 2025, and how do you intend to address these challenges?
**Andreas Ramharter**: I believe in the importance of strong community engagement and transparency. My focus will be on listening to the concerns of the residents and ensuring that any future developments honor our history while also meeting the needs of our growing community. I aim to build a future that respects the past, creating a balance between remembrance and progress.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for sharing your thoughts on this complex issue. We appreciate your time.
**Andreas Ramharter**: Thank you for having me. It’s important to have these discussions.
