The European Union Constitution cleared its final legislative hurdle in Germany today, with the upper house of parliament overwhelmingly approving the charter, two days before French voters have their say on the document in a referendum.

East Germans gave a strong boost to right wing extremists and the former communists in two state elections, punishing the country’s biggest mainstream parties for the region’s high unemployment and cuts in social programmes.

The former communists of East Germany are to take their first share of power in the capital since it was reunited more than a decade ago.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder gambled his future on a parliamentary vote of confidence today - and won.