Austrian Fraternity Membership Stirs Political Debate

A senior Austrian politician holds the country's second-highest office while belonging to a German-nationalist student fraternity. This has highlighted the growing political influence of such groups. Walter Rosenkranz of the Freedom Party (FPÖ) serves as one of Austria's three Parliamentary Presidents. His membership in a "Burschenschaft," or German-national fraternity, is legal but controversial. These traditionally male student organizations are gaining significant power in Austria. A similar rise in political clout is occurring in Germany. The situation is drawing increased public scrutiny.