As of: March 28, 2024, 7:00 a.m
By: Sebastian Grauvogl
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In the studio: District Administrator Olaf von Löwis (2nd from right) with (from left) moderator Markus Lanz, Aachen's Mayor Sibylle Keupen, René Wilke (Lord Mayor Frankfurt/Oder) and migration researcher Gerald Knaus. © ZDF/Lehmann
While on vacation, District Administrator Olaf von Löwis (CSU) watched his appearance on the ZDF program “Markus Lanz” late on Tuesday evening. In the interview he tells us what it was like.
District
- Relaxed on vacation, District Administrator Olaf von Löwis (CSU) watched his appearance on the ZDF program “Markus Lanz” late on Tuesday evening. We interviewed Löwis about how he felt about the discussion with René Wilke (left), mayor of Frankfurt/Oder, Sibylle Keupen (non-party), mayor of Aachen, and migration researcher Gerald Knaus, and what it looks like behind the scenes of a television program of this format asked.
Mr. von Löwis, how do you feel when you see yourself sitting with Markus Lanz on television?
Olaf von Löwis:
Significantly more excited than in the studio. First and foremost, you are concentrated and focused. But I didn't know how it would come across on TV later. Especially since I haven't seen the recording before.
And how did you find each other?
Olaf von Löwis:
It was an interesting discussion in a pleasant atmosphere. You also got the same impression as a viewer of the show, so I'm happy with it. This makes me all the more pleased because I initially hesitated about whether I would even go.
Why?
Olaf von Löwis:
I was only asked ten days before the recording. Markus Lanz's team became aware of the heated atmosphere at the information event about the planned refugee accommodation in Warngau. I actually wanted to slowly but surely get this experience, which was very unpleasant for me, off the table. Of course, I also had to fear that I would be accused of self-pity or self-congratulation if I reported about it to an audience of millions. But my team at the district office encouraged me a lot and said: “It’s Markus Lanz, you have to go there!”
The right decision?
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Olaf von Löwis:
Absolutely. The whole preparation alone was extremely interesting. Employees at the production company questioned me intensively in two telephone interviews. Not just on the subject of asylum, but on everything that concerns me as a district administrator. A dossier was then written for Markus Lanz. I didn't know what was actually discussed in the show. I had to let myself be surprised.
You probably surprised some viewers with your light blue suit. Shouldn't a CSU district administrator have sat in the studio wearing a traditional jacket?
Olaf von Löwis:
(
laughs
) Of course that would have been the obvious option. But I knew from TV that Markus Lanz was dressed more business-like. His team told me that color is definitely welcome, as long as it's nothing checkered that might irritate the cameras. My wife then convinced me to wear a blue suit. I bought it a few months ago and this was a good opportunity to wear it.
How did your day in Hamburg go?
Olaf von Löwis:
I arrived around midday. I then met the other guests in the waiting room. We exchanged ideas for a good two hours and were well looked after. At 5 p.m. we were taken to the studio, where we met Markus Lanz for the first time. After five minutes of small talk, the music came on and we started.
A jump into cold water?
Olaf von Löwis:
At the beginning you are unsure because you don't know when and how you will be called on or whether you should speak up yourself. But Mr. Lanz was clearly the boss in the ring, and that helped a lot. He was well prepared, fully immersed in the topic and responded well to his guests. Really impressive. I also thought it was great that he took the time afterwards for short one-on-one conversations to ask how we felt about the recording. Afterwards he immediately prepared for the next broadcast, while we guests chatted for another two hours.
What did you actually take away from the show?
Olaf von Löwis:
First and foremost, that you are not alone with your worries and needs. The fact that insults and threats against local politicians are no longer isolated cases, but occur regardless of party and throughout the country, was less a reassuring and more a disconcerting realization.
How did you feel when the video recording from Warngau was played?
Olaf von Löwis:
I've already been confronted with this in the Munich round on BR and on ZDF-Lländerspiegel, so I was a little prepared. Nevertheless, it affected me this time too. My two politician colleagues on the show also said that it must have been a particularly violent experience.
...which you will also take into account when deciding whether to run again?
Olaf von Löwis:
No, I met them a long time before. I will communicate the result in due course.
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