BERLIN (AP) - Opposition to giving Europe's rescue fund new powers appears to be growing within Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition, just weeks ahead of a key parliamentary vote.
The news agency dapd reported Tuesday that more than 19 lawmakers refused to support expanding the powers of the (euro) 440 billion ($638 billion) eurozone rescue fund in an informal vote among caucus members late Monday.
Merkel's Christian Democrats, along with the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union and their partners, the Free Democrats, hold a majority of 19 votes.
The opposition Social Democrats have signaled they would support the measures in the Sept. 29 vote, but not without concessions.