PARIS, France (CNN)  -- Opposition lawmakers Tuesday ridiculed President Nicolas Sarkozy for taking France back into NATO's military command after more than 40 years, but were unable to stop the move when it came to a vote. French troops on patrol with the Afghan army as part of the NATO mission in Afghanistan. The National Assembly voted in favor of Sarkozy's plan, 329-238. Socialist Laurent Fabius, a former prime minister, told Prime Minister Francois Fillon: "You tell us this would mean more independence and more influence. It would probably mean less independence and less influence." The move did not technically require parliamentary approval, but the president's party scheduled the debate to give opponents a chance to voice their opinions -- and to show a majority backed it.
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French National Assembly backs president's plan to rejoin NATO
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President Nicolas Sarkozy's plan is politically sensitive
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France was a founding member of NATO but left in 1966
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President Charles de Gaulle said in 1966 membership meant losing independence
Charles de Gaulle
For the next 43 years, even though France selectively participated in NATO military operations, @placeholder's principle remained the governing cornerstone of French foreign policy.
Nicolas Sarkozy
Sarkozy
Nicolas Sarkozy
@placeholder, however, believes the opposite -- that cooperation in NATO is a guarantee of French independence.
France
France
French
France
Rejoining NATO's military command, he argued, will give @placeholder a seat at the table for decision-making.
France
France
French
France
De Gaulle's 1966 decision meant no @placeholder forces could be under permanent allied command and that France would have no participation in defense planning.
Nicolas Sarkozy
Sarkozy
Nicolas Sarkozy
Opponents of Sarkozy's move -- who include some members of his party -- believe de Gaulle, not @placeholder, had it right.