Resignation calls after right-winger Haider parties with teens

Dec 4, 2007, 17:11 GMT

Vienna - Austrian right-wing politician Joerg Haider continues to cause a stir, but this time it is not the Carinthian governor's xenophobic attacks on immigrants that made the headlines, but internet pictures of him attending a teenage binge- drinking party.

Last week, the former leader of the right-wing Freedom Party visited a club known for its parties offering extremely cheap drinks. Haider partied there till 3 am, buying several rounds of drinks for the clubbers.

The proud club owner put pictures of the 57-year-old on his website, showing Haider closely hugging several young men, drink in hand.

Haider rejected any accusations of improper behaviour. 'The governor is known for his open dealings with young people,' his spokesman said. The controversial photos have since been removed from the club's website.

A number of politicians have called for Haider's resignation for his failure to provide a good example to young people, Austrian media reported, while local authorities are investigating whether the club had violated youth protection regulations.

The province's Social Democrats said Haider's behaviour was ruining years of work trying to get local youth off binge drinking.

Haider rejected those accusations as 'the biggest hypocrisy ever.' The Social Democrats should stop being 'puritan' and trying to make people swear off alcohol, he told Austrian radio.