Hope for Europe? “French Reject EU Constitution, Gov’t Says,” from AP, with thanks to the Constantinopolitan Irredentist:
PARIS — French voters rejected the European Union’s first constitution Sunday, early government results showed _ a stinging repudiation of the ambitious, decades-long effort to further unite the continent.
With about 83 percent of the votes counted, the referendum was rejected by 57.26 percent of voters, the Interior Ministry said. The treaty was supported by 42.74 percent, the ministry said.
All 25 EU members must ratify the text for it to take effect _ and nine already have done so. The Dutch vote Wednesday, with polls showing opposition to the constitution running at about 60 percent.
“There is no more constitution,” leading opponent Philippe de Villiers said. “It is necessary to reconstruct Europe on other foundations that don’t currently exist.”
De Villiers called on Chirac to submit his resignation _ something the French leader had said he would refuse to do _ and called for parliament to be dissolved.
“Tonight we face a major political crisis,” he said.
Let’s hope Chirac does resign, and that someone who realizes what is happening in Europe takes his place.