KARLSRUHE, Germany - Germany's constitutional court on Thursday rejected a bid by an opposition deputy to block the country's expected ratification of the EU constitution.
The ruling by the country's highest tribunal paves the way for parliament to rubberstamp the charter in May.
Peter Gauweiler, a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of the conservative opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), had argued that the expected approval of the treaty by the German lower house of parliament was unconstitutional.
Gauweiler wants the constitution to be submitted to a wider debate than just among members of parliament.
Unlike in another leading European Union state, France, no referendum on the constitution will take place in Germany.
The parliamentary vote is due to take place on May 12 or May 13. The constitution is expected to be ratified.
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder condemned Gauweiler's attempt to block the ratification Thursday as "completely senseless".
Schroeder was to meet on Thursday with the leaders of Germany's regional states who want more say in the ratification of the constitution.
04/28/2005 15:38 GMT