French constitutional cliffhanger in view

Published: 30 March 2005 y., Wednesday
Twin opinion polls published show support for a "No" vote and rejection of the treaty is growing, at 53 and 54 percent against , the fourth and fifth negative polls in the last two weeks. Over the last six months French passion for this key measure of european integration has cooled. While the Constitution does attract cross-party support, the no camp deploys vocal opposition from far left and right, and some voices from the establishment parties. The Socialists have been all but split on the issue. Spokesman Julien Drey insists it is early days yet; "You mustn't forget that at least half of those polled said they hadn't made up their minds yet, so the results must be taken with a pinch of salt. Now the campaign is beginning". However details in the poll will worry the party leadership. It has papered over the cracks in the Socialist fortress, but the data shows the fissures are widening from the cellar to roof A big swing within the Socialist party puts the "No" camp now out in front. Too late, as the vote establishing policy is behind them, but with how much enthusiasm will every branch be campaigning? Pierre Giacometti is the boss of IPSOS polls;"For the last few weeks the left's electorate has got it into its head that the Constitution's the plan for a free-market europe, and at the same time there are background fears of social costs and economic weakness", is his analysis. If that sounds like a catch-all for the traditional French elector's desire to bloody the nose of a government when they are fed up about things, you may be right. It raises the political stakes, and makes this referendum one to watch.
Šaltinis: euronews.net
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.

Facebook Comments

New comment


Captcha

Associated articles

The most popular articles

Loincloths hot among Japan woman

Forget burning bras, the latest in "women's liberation" is a product making a comeback in Japan that makers claim allows women to ditch tight-fitting underwear - loincloths. more »

Man-made electromagnetic fields: are we at risk?

We revel in the ways in which mobile phones and wireless internet make our lives easier. more »

MEPs split over widening anti-discrimination laws

For almost a decade a series of laws have protected Europe's workers from discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sexuality or religious beliefs. more »

90 countries take part in Earth Hour

Earth Hour 2009 is an opportunity for hundreds of millions of people all around the world to switch off their lights as a demonstration, a symbolic action to show to governments we need you to take action on climate change. more »

Key issues for the June European Parliamentary elections?

From 4-7 June millions of people will have their chance to vote in the European Parliament elections. more »

"Rent-a-granny"

One town in Poland has just started a "rent-a-grandparent" programme. more »

How far should standardisation go?

A key component of the EU's internal market for goods and services is the possibility of buying and selling across Europe. more »

Killer cat roams Poland

Polish farmers are intimidated by the mysterious predator. more »

What should cars run on?

The costs of fossil fuels are increasing and global warming is accelerating. more »

Peruvian mummy identified

According to archaeologists, the mummy of a 50-year-old woman, discovered on San Lorenzo island, was most likely an elite member of the Pre-Incan Ichma culture. more »