It seems as if at the moment everybody is kicking at beating at our very own Baumeister Richard Lugner. Because he wants to invite Paris Hilton to the Opernball (and asking if she will wear underwear or not), because he allows a medical clinic also doing abortions in one of his buildings adjoining his Lugner City shopping center, because he is on TV in a docu-soap about himself and his family, because he is a akward in society but loves to join the crowds and is a magnet for society reporters, because he drops a clanger at every possibility that opens up.

That’s all true, but Lugner is also a very friendly, original person and one of the unique figures that make live in Vienna so interesting. He never harmed anyone (okay, so leaving his first wife after an unlucky beauty-op wasn’t that nice…) more than himself. All he managed to achieve he did by himself and his constant appearing on the society pages might annoy you, but it is his own way of marketing himself. He is the closest thing to Donald Trump this city has to offer.

After all, who are we left with if Richie decides to leave? Alfons Haider? HC Strache? So, the next time you see him around, wave him a smile and he’ll be sure to wave back and say hello.