Interview “Krone” – all-rounder Marco Pogo: “Some are just like that”

Crown When I call you on your cell phone, you always answer it personally. Your spokeswoman was suddenly on the line yesterday. Have you adopted a role model from federal politics?
Pogo frame: I try not to take many examples of federal politics. When I read Mr Pommer’s interview with the Minister of Agriculture, I was shocked but not surprised. On the other hand, at least he faced the questions. I always think it’s bad how many politicians don’t get interviews. Their job is to report if something goes wrong somewhere and then answer questions.

Could this explain the disenchantment with politics?
We are not disenchanted with politics, but rather disenchanted with politicians. The type of politician today makes it difficult for the citizens. In reality, there is nothing in Austria that still shocks you.

As for your cabaret, what punch line could you tell that politics hasn’t delivered in recent years?
This is difficult. Life itself writes the best stories, I also bring many of my own stories to the program. It is certainly not easy being a satirist in this country.

Are you more of a “politician competing with comedians” or a “comedian competing with politicians”?
Probably something of both. I wouldn’t call myself a politician. This is a job that has been sold to us as very unattractive in recent years.

As for your political successes, what concerns has the beer party pushed through? There are still cyclists and you will not find the beer fountain!
As a ward councilor, I try to implant my ideas with my colleagues. For example, we tried to set up rehearsal rooms for artists or to realize a Hugo Portischplein. The problem is that many important issues are not being addressed because the polls are showing poor results. I am convinced that not all achievements – which are positive today – have always been positively received. This is also reflected in the current security debate. As a politician I think it’s a shame to say “that’s not an issue”.

Are we talking about neutrality or the ban on cyclists?
Of neutrality – and I am a staunch pacifist. But even worse than no security is false security.

So you’re running in the presidential and municipal elections?
I will comment on this shortly. I can say that as a citizen of this country I am not satisfied. It is not enough to simply say, “We are not like that.” You should also say, “Some are like that.” And of course we want to continue to shape Vienna.

Speaking of beer and exercise, it’s Ibiza’s birthday these days and some local politicians have recently maneuvered themselves into ditches after drinking beer. She is regularly seen with alcohol. Tips for colleagues?
Some should just leave it that way. The dose makes the poison. You need to know when enough is enough. You have to help those who don’t know. But as a society, we have to keep a close eye on it when no one else has it ourselves. As a beer festival, we work here with many institutions. But you can’t drive drunk.