Parliament approves new powers
From Times Wire Reports
Lawmakers approved by only a one-vote margin a sweeping revision of France’s constitution that gives parliament greater power but also adds privilege to the president.
The slim passage reflected the controversy over the reform, backed by President Nicolas Sarkozy but vehemently rejected by the leftist opposition.
The change got one more than the 538 votes needed for a three-fifths margin. Parliament can now veto major presidential appointments, and the president can jointly address the two houses of parliament.
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