Lisbon Treaty Ratification Runs into Difficulties, in Germany

March 6, 2008 (LPAC)--The German government faces resistance among the 16 state governments, relating to the "accompanying law" which the Merkel cabinet wants to have passed by the parliament, in order to have a smooth ratification of the Treaty there.

The new law involves questions of constitutional article 23, concerning the obligation of the government to inform the state governments in time of any changes for Germany coming from the EU in Brussels, and the balance of powers between government and states. Article 42 concerns the question of whether a two-thirds majority of the German parliament can block EU measures affecting Germany, and whether a one-third minority can initiate a motion calling for changes in EU policies, as well as the question what kind of majority (simple or two-thirds) would be required for future votings of the parliament on EU decisions.

It would be much easier for the government, naturally, to reach a simple majority than a two-thirds one, for the ratification. Increasing the pressure in the streets on politicians and legal experts to throw out the entire Lisbon Treaty, the LaRouche Movement in Germany has begun to mobilize its networks to gather signatures, and it is reported that more and more people begin to realize what is at stake, and, as important, start to get out of their fishbowl of not being accustomed to be in opposition. In Munich, an elderly nurse collected 50 signatures in her apartment house and among friends; in Stuttgart, another one got 20 signatures from friends. That's just the start.