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Europe
Le Pen calls for No vote on EU plan
2005-04-11
Throwing gasoline on the fire ...
The French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen has made a scathing attack on the EU constitution, saying a yes vote in the forthcoming referendum would be against France's national interests.

Mr Le Pen called the constitution an attempt to create a superstate at the expense of countries' identities, and called on leading EU countries to reject it. "We're in favour of cooperation between European nations, but on a different basis," he said.

Polls indicate that the French are leaning toward rejecting the constitution on May 29. This would stop the constitution in its tracks, as it needs approval by all 25 member states. The French president, government and main opposition party have urged voters to approve it.
Posted by:Steve White

#8  But well, that's not the point:
The French don't like it because Chirac says it's good.
The British don't like it because... well Chirac says it's good.

Entente cordiale 2005
Posted by: True German Ally   2005-04-11 10:37:53 PM  

#7  It's neither :-)
Posted by: True German Ally   2005-04-11 10:34:12 PM  

#6  TGA, care to explain how the following circle is to be squared: the French vote against the EU constitution because it's too liberal, ie pro-free market. The British vote against it because it's not liberal enough.

What, if any, way is there to convince voters that the constitution is liberal (in the euro sense) and socialist alike?
Posted by: thibaud (aka lex)   2005-04-11 10:11:26 PM  

#5  The problem is: The Constitution is flawed.
But the Nice Treaty doesn't work with 25 nations either.
Posted by: True German Ally   2005-04-11 7:28:34 PM  

#4  I predict the French will keep voting until the "correct result" is got. It may take 6 tries but it will pass. Same for the UK.
Posted by: Sock Puppet 0’ Doom   2005-04-11 6:56:15 PM  

#3  rational and thoughtful, TGA. Glad our little greek friend isn't around to make it a 98+ comment thread
Posted by: Frank G   2005-04-11 6:46:07 PM  

#2  Sigh... ok, this is EU Constitution 101 for you:

1st possibility: The French vote for the constitution since Le Pen is so much against it. Hell the socialists had to vote for Chirac because Le Pen was running!

2nd possibility: The Constitution doesn't get a majority. You'll see many sombre politicians making sombre speeches, then they decide to continue the ratification process in the countries that do not get to vote.
After that, the French will vote again.

The Brits will never approve the Constitution, but I bet the EU will find some way to give the UK some "special status" and go on with the program.
Posted by: True German Ally   2005-04-11 6:36:58 PM  

#1  Barbara, please pass the popcorn!
Posted by: Alaska Paul   2005-04-11 1:07:38 AM  

00:00