Marco Pogo: – “Politicians do cabaret and don’t know it”

You see the crises that are breaking out around us. Wlazny: “At the same time, you are struggling with a federal government that manages to screw things up, both politically and communicatively. I believe that an authority is needed – and that can only be the Federal President – who is a moral guide and clearly identifies grievances.” But: “I would be loud and not silent. I want to show that politics can also be decent.”

Wlazny, who also works as a singer and comedian, was initially ridiculed by political opponents. That is now changing. However, he does not believe that his other careers stand in the way of his candidacy for the office of Federal President: “I believe that I can be on stage as a singer and comedian and that I can do serious things as a politician. I often deal with political issues in my cabaret because I’m a political person. What’s much worse, a lot of politicians do cabaret and don’t know it.”

“Won’t plaster country with posters”
He doesn’t need a lot of money for the election campaign. He will not “cover the country with posters” and not place advertisements, but will convince on social media. “Even if someone came and offered me money, I would politely decline. At that point, I would lose exactly the independence I demand from politics.”

Its advertising stands featured water instead of beer—unexpected for a political movement calling itself the Beer Party. “There was no beer because I didn’t want to hear the accusation that I got my endorsements with beer. Now I was the first to get it – with water.” That expresses even more clearly how motivated people are.

Aptitude test for politicians? “Have a good look at whether people are empowered”
As Federal President, he wants to point out grievances – in society and in politics: to become a minister, membership in the farmers’ association is often enough, “or you have to come from Tyrol or Lower Austria,” says Wlazny. But there is much more to these offices. “You really have to look closely to see if people are qualified to do this work. Then you also save yourself airing the wallpaper doors every few weeks.”

A beer with Van der Bellen is still waiting: “He has not yet contacted.” But there are many topics he would like to discuss with Van der Bellen. “Talking brings people together. What I don’t want to discuss with him is why I decided to run in this election.”

Does he have any advantages as an unconventional candidate for president? “We live in unconventional times. It’s time to rethink certain things and do things differently. It is, I think, a much needed refreshment.”