But rejoining has proved controversial in France with the opposition Socialist party, and even members of Mr.Sarkozy's center right Union for a Popular Majority party, opposing the move, fearing France's independence will erode.

VOA: standard.2009.03.11

Voting against the declaration were the regional members of parliament from the Spanish prime minister's conservative Popular Party and most of the regional members from the Socialist party, which is the main opposition party at the national level.

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He rallied the government, popular support and the military around his United Socialist Party, the PSUV.

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The Socialist Party leadership has condemned the attacks on Popular Party officials and offices.

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