Hitler's Birthplace in Austria Becomes Police Station

Braunau, Austria – Adolf Hitler's former birthplace, a site steeped in historical controversy, has officially opened as a police station. The building, located at Salzburger Vorstadt 15, has been vacant for 15 years, during which time numerous ideas for its use were debated, ranging from a museum to a charitable institution.

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This opening is particularly different from usual; this address is different.

The decision to establish a police presence in the house was finalized after extensive deliberation and a process involving two commissions. The current Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, emphasized that while the darkest period of Austria's history did not begin there, the location carries a symbolism that necessitates taking responsibility. He stated that the police, as protectors of democracy, now occupy the space.

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The darkest time in the history of our country did not begin here, no atrocities were committed here. Nevertheless, the place carries a symbolism that seems to persist to this day. It is therefore necessary to take responsibility here as well, as the Austrian executive.

Former Interior Minister Karl Nehammer had previously aimed to "neutralize" the house, while other proposals included a maternity ward or a continuation of the social services previously offered by the Lebenshilfe association, which occupied the building until 2011. Ultimately, the choice for a police station was made by Wolfgang Peschorn, the Interior Minister in the 2019 expert government, who believed it sent a clear signal of democracy.

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I am convinced that this is the clearest sign of a democracy, that the police, who have to protect democracy, have a service point here.

Historian Florian Kotanko, who had advocated for a social or charitable use, acknowledged the need for a decision to end the long-standing debate. While he expressed surprise at the police station outcome, he recognized that Austria is a democratic legal state and that the police's role is clearly defined within it. The memorial stone outside the house, a protest against Nazism, remains in place.

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I opted for the social-charitable use, out of tradition, as the building had this use until 2011, and it was generally recognized and positively occupied. That it ultimately did not happen is also understandable, as the use by the Republic is intended to be long-term. Austria is a democratic legal state, the tasks of the police are contained within it, and thus this use is certainly in the interest of the citizens.