French President Promises EU Constitution Referendum by Mid-Year

Strategic Insights -

French President Jacques Chirac has pledged to put the European Union's constitution to a referendum by mid-year, addressing the French people in his New Year's address. This move is part of a broader effort to give the French populace a say in the future of Europe, with the goal of resolving contentious issues such as Turkey's potential membership in the EU. Meanwhile, Spain is set to become the first country to put the constitution to a public vote in February, with nearly 60% of Spaniards currently undecided on the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • French President Jacques Chirac has promised a referendum on the EU Constitution by mid-year, citing the French people's right to decide on the future of Europe.
  • The European Constitution will be submitted to a referendum in France, with the goal of allowing the French people to have a say in the issue of Turkey's EU membership.
  • Nine member states plan to hold referendums on the EU constitution, with Spain being the first to do so in February.
  • According to a recent opinion poll, nearly 60% of Spaniards are undecided on whether to vote for or against the EU Constitution.
  • Hungary has become the second country to formally ratify the European Constitution, with 300 MPs voting in favor of the text on December 20.
  • Fewer than 30% of Spaniards polled (28.1%) said they would vote in favor of the Constitution, while 4.6% said they would vote against.
  • The number of those in favor of the Constitution has fallen since a previous poll in October, when 36.5% said they were in favor.

Statistics:

  • 60% of Spaniards are undecided on the EU Constitution referendum (El Pais opinion poll, December).
  • 28.1% of Spaniards would vote in favor of the Constitution (El Pais opinion poll, December).
  • 4.6% of Spaniards would vote against the Constitution (El Pais opinion poll, December).
  • 300 Hungarian MPs voted in favor of the EU Constitution (Hungary ratifies EU Constitution, December 20).
  • 9 member states plan to hold referendums on the EU Constitution.
  • 36.5% of Spaniards were in favor of the EU Constitution in a previous poll (El Pais opinion poll, October).

Sources:

  • El Pais newspaper: Spanish opinion poll results (December).
  • International news sources: French President Jacques Chirac's New Year's address.