Austrian Govt to seize Hitler’s birth house
What's the story
The Austrian Government, after trying for years to purchase Adolf Hitler's old Braunau house from the owner, stated that it would attempt to seize it. Interior Ministry wanted to ensure that the property doesn't fall into the hands of neo-Nazis. Officials are looking to create a law that would force the change of ownership from its current owner to the Austrian Government.
Information
Who was Adolf Hitler?
Adolf Hitler was a politician and the leader of Nazi Party in Germany. He was a dictator who had invaded Poland in 1939 and initiated the World War-II in Europe.
1889-92
Adolf Hilter's childhood house
Adolf Hitler was born in 1889 at Salzburger Vorstadt 15, in Braunau am Inn, Upper Austria. Hitler's parents had rented some rooms in the building, which was a guesthouse while his father was working as a minor customs officer near the Austrian-German border. Adolf Hitler had stayed there for three years after his birth, after which they shifted to Passau, following his father's transfer.
2011
House owner refuses to grant permission for renovation
Gerlinde Pommer's family owned the house since the beginning. In the 1970's the house was leased by the Austrian Government. In 2011, the agreement between the Government and owner ended due to dispute, as Pommer refused to give permission for a much-required renovation. The dispute propelled from the owner's refusal to allow the rebuilding of rooms and bathrooms or elevator installation in the house.
2014
Various proposals put forward for using the house
Several proposals had been put forward by the Government and people on how the house must be used after seizing. Proposals included an adult education centre, an anti-Nazi centre to confront the Nazi past, a museum, an immigrant centre, a language centre, or making the three-storied building into flats. Some had even called for demolition and offered to buy the house and demolish it.
9 Apr 2016
Neo-Nazi sympathizers frequently visit the house
Officials stated that the house had become a place of pilgrimage for Nazi sympathizers and a destination for Nazi tourists. Despite the memorial stone at the house reading: "Never again Fascism. In memory of millions of dead," neo-Nazis still visit the place, especially on Hitler's birth-anniversary. Austrian Government didn't reveal any plans on what to do with the house, but, decided to seize it.
Personal
House empty since 2011
Under the 1972 agreement, the house could be used for any educational, social or bureaucratic facility by the Government. The Government used to pay a rent of $5,600 monthly for the house, which is empty for the past five years.