Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Austrian MPs vote to seize Adolf Hitler's childhood home to reduce neo-Nazi appeal

Interior Minister says government supports 'thorough architectural rearrangement' of the house

Thursday 15 December 2016 10:14 GMT
Comments
Adolf Hitler's birth house in Braunau am Inn, Austria
Adolf Hitler's birth house in Braunau am Inn, Austria (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Austria's lower house of parliament has approved the compulsory purchase of the building Adolf Hitler was born in, a step towards changing the site beyond recognition to reduce its appeal as a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis.

The text, approved late on Wednesday, did not specify what form the planned overhaul of the building will take, which some deputies who voted against the bill cited as their reason for opposing it.

Opponents included some members of the small, liberal Neos party, according to a statement by parliament, but a count of votes was not immediately available.

The bill must now be passed by the upper house, which is expected to be a formality.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka has said the government supports a planned "thorough architectural rearrangement" of the house Hitler was born in near the border with Germany in 1889, which could include demolishing the building.

The compulsory purchase of the house in the town in Braunau am Inn should put an end to a long-standing dispute with its owner, a retired woman who has turned down previous offers by the state to acquire the site.

Mr Sobotka has said the three-storey building could be used by the town of Braunau for "charitable or official purposes" after its conversion.

The Interior Ministry has been renting the building since 1972 and sublet it to Braunau.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in