27 May 2005
Turmoil as Chirac plots to disregard 'non' vote
by mikepowerPRESIDENT CHIRAC of France is preparing to throw Europe into confusion and put Britain on the spot by backing moves to keep the European constitution alive if it is rejected in Sunday’s referendum.
Desperate Chirac in final plea for EU yes
by mikepowerJacques Chirac made a final attempt to reverse France's determination to reject the EU constitution last night, imploring voters "not to answer the wrong question"
26 May 2005
Timothy Garton Ash: Votez oui, malgr� tout
by mikepowerThe French noes and the British noes are the most incompatible of all. In fact, if one leaves aside the shared concern on the right for national sovereignty, they are almost diametrically opposed.
The Guardian: In the heart of Europe, a big No looms
by mikepowerCulture capital and continental gateway threatens to repay Brussels' largesse by spurning constitution
24 May 2005
The Spectator: The European constitution contains some good sense. That’s why the French dislike it
by mikepowerThe British No campaign urges opposition to the constitution because it threatens too much central control. The French are voting Non in such large numbers because they fear the exact opposite — a weakening of the command state.
IOL: EU referendum campaigning enters le fin
by mikepowerFrance has entered what was likely to be a bitter final campaign week before a national referendum on the European Union’s constitution, with polls showing undecided voters could make or break the neck-and-neck race.
French EU referendum
by mikepowerHere the BBC News website explains what is happening and what is at stake for France and the European Union.
EU referendum prompts French identity crisis
by mikepowerFrance's referendum on the European constitution next Sunday has plunged the nation into a bout of tortured introspection. And at present - as a seventh successive poll confirmed yesterday - what has emerged is a clear temptation to say non.
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