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.
**2. How does Mayor Ramharter respond to calls for the site to be preserved as a memorial, especially in light of criticism from local political groups?**
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter on the Leobersdorf Property Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Mayor Ramharter, thank you for joining us today. There’s been significant controversy surrounding the sale and repurposing of land related to the old Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp. Can you explain your perspective on the recent criticism regarding these plans?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I want to emphasize that the designation as an operating area has existed for a long time. The decision to sell this property was not made lightly. For us, it’s important to balance historical sensitivity with the needs of our community and local economy.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including members of the SPÖ and the Green Party, describe the plans as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to those calling for the site to be preserved as a memorial?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand their concerns and appreciate the importance of remembrance. However, the Federal Monuments Office has confirmed that the remains on this site do not meet the criteria for monument protection under current laws. We have also engaged in thorough consultations and research, including ground radar surveys to ensure that we are respectful of the site’s history.
**Interviewer:** Some have voiced concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given that your real estate company facilitated the sale of this land. Can you clarify this aspect of the deal?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I assure you that there has been no bias in this process. We have closely followed all legal requirements and conducted everything transparently. The agreement includes terms to avoid basements to preserve existing foundations, showcasing our commitment to maintaining historical integrity.
**Interviewer:** The SPÖ’s Sabine Schatz has called for federal intervention to secure the site. Do you think there should be legislative changes to protect similar historically sensitive areas in the future?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe discussions about how we handle sensitive historical sites are important. While current laws govern the situation, it’s essential for all stakeholders to engage in continued dialogue to ensure responsible planning. If changes are necessary, I’m open to considering them.
**Interviewer:** Indra Collini from NEOS highlighted a need for improved control mechanisms within local governance. Do you agree that there is a need for scrutiny in local council decisions regarding historical sites?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Scrutiny is always important in governance, and I’m committed to ensuring our council acts in the best interest of the community, honoring historical contexts while also addressing our town’s needs. We plan to continue engaging with various stakeholders to navigate these complexities together.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights. As these discussions continue, what steps do you foresee taking to navigate the ongoing concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We will maintain open lines of communication with all concerned parties, including the Mauthausen Memorial and local community leaders. It’s crucial we work towards finding a solution that respects our past while meeting the present needs of the community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Mayor Ramharter. We appreciate your perspective on this delicate issue.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you. I welcome the opportunity to discuss these important matters.
