|
|
The move threatens to rob the Europe-Écologie Party of one of its most recognisable deputies - known for his rabble-rousing during 1968 student riots in Paris - and may exacerbate tensions within the group, which supports France's Socialist-led government and has two ministerial posts. The French Greens voted overwhelmingly against the terms of the pact at a grassroots assembly on Saturday, concluding that it would not provide long-term answers to the EU crisis nor help foster environmentally friendly policies.
France is expected to ratify the pact early next month, though a major revolt within the coalition could force the Socialists into an embarrassing reliance on the conservative opposition.
Cohn-Bendit said the French Green party's position on the fiscal treaty was "completely inconsistent", arguing that the party should pull out of the French government and vote against the budget. "I don't want to endorse this leftist policy drift", the Franco-German MEP said.