in october 2006, he made a far-reaching decision by vetoing a bill. it would transfer germany's air safety administration deutsche flugsicherung into private ownership. the bundestag passed this legislation but as president, köhler was authorized to not sign it into law if, in his opinion, it contravenes the constitution. in december 2006, he did not sign the consumer information law, because the constitution does not allow the federal government to instruct municipal authorities. this can only be done by the german states. there had only been six previous occasions when germany's president had chosen to reject bills. in most instances less important legislation was involved. his vetoes were the first notable examples in recent german history.