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| Europe |
| Le Pen Calls for EU Constitution Rejection |
| 2005-04-09 |
| In honor of the previous Francais Uber Alles post, here is Le Pen in synch with the French left. Though I don't think the US Left-Right dichotomy (free markets, limited government, personal responsibility) means anything in the French context. The French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen launched an attack on the EU constitution Saturday, saying a 'yes' vote in the upcoming referendum would go against France's national interests. Speaking to The Associated Press ahead of a meeting of his National Front party, Le Pen said the constitution is an attempt to create a superstate at the expense of countries' identities, and called on leading EU countries to reject the charter. The constitution is intended to cement the 25-nation EU, a bloc he called "an instrument of destruction of nations." Five polls in March indicated the French are leaning toward rejecting the constitution in a referendum on May 29. The document needs unanimous approval by the EU's member states. The president, prime minister, government and main opposition party have urged voters to approve the EU document, with Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin arguing that France's future lies within a Europe that is unified economically, politically and socially. President Jacques Chirac has insisted the EU constitution would promote social rights and equality across the continent. The charter has already been approved by Spain, Slovenia, Lithuania, Hungary and Italy. Opponents claim the document would give too much power to Brussels or threaten coveted labor protections in France. The growing "no" camp in France also underscores an identity crisis felt by many French over what it means to be a European, at a time when mostly Muslim and secular Turkey is seeking entry into the EU. Le Pen's National Front, and other far-right and extreme nationalist parties across Europe, have exploited fears of a rising tide of immigrants and refugees to urge rejection of the constitution. "There's no chance France could approve the constitution," Le Pen said. "Public opposition to the charter is growing irrespective of what politicians say or think." The constitution would streamline EU decision-making, ending vetoes in almost 50 new policy areas, including judicial and police cooperation, education and economic policy. Veto rights would remain in sensitive areas such as foreign affairs, defense, social security, taxation and culture. Le Pen, who shocked the nation by qualifying for a one-on-one runoff against Chirac in presidential elections in 2002, has been convicted six times of racism or anti-Semitism. |
| Posted by:ed |
| #4 I like it |
| Posted by: Frank G 2005-04-09 11:20:22 PM |
| #3 Well Le Pen knows all about rejection. |
| Posted by: Sock Puppet 0’ Doom 2005-04-09 10:27:48 PM |
| #2 "There’s no chance France could approve the constitution," Le Pen said. "Public opposition to the charter is growing irrespective of what politicians say or think." I don't think Chirac will be telling Le Pen he missed a great opportunity to shut up. Given France's reactionary politics I'll wager a +60% "yes" on the next opinion poll. |
| Posted by: Gleaper Cleregum9549 2005-04-09 9:56:35 PM |
| #1 Nice little tidbit thrown in near the end: "The constitution would streamline EU decision-making, ending vetoes in almost 50 new policy areas, including judicial and police cooperation, education and economic policy." |
| Posted by: Tom 2005-04-09 9:09:42 PM |