French lawmakers vote to ratify EU fiscal pact

France's lower house of parliament approved a law ratifying a European budget discipline treaty by a large majority on Tuesday, paving the way for its adoption in the bloc's No. 2 economy.

The legislation was approved by 477 votes in favor to 70 against, despite a revolt by a handful of left-wingers in President Francois Hollande's Socialist Party and many in the Greens Party.

The law passes to the Senate on Wednesday and should be adopted before the end of the week.

The fiscal pact enters into force on January 1 next year or when 12 out of the 17 euro zone member countries ratify it, as half a dozen, including Germany, have already done.

(Reporting By Emile Picy; Writing by Nicholas Vinocur; Editing by Paul Taylor)