Danish leader's fall will delay Maastricht vote

COPENHAGEN - The Danish Prime Minister, Poul Schluter resigned yesterday in the wake of a political scandal, risking a delay in Denmark's second referendum on the Maastricht treaty, and prolonging uncertainty within the EC, writes Sarah Lambert.

Mr Schluter named the Finance Minister, Henning Dyremose, as his successor, but the centre opposition parties indicated last night that they might not be prepared to accept his choice. To force Mr Dyremose out of office, however, the opposition will have to unite in a vote of no confidence.

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