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We need more time for reflection and understanding.Yes: FABIEN PETIT, Management consultantA rejection of this treaty would be a massive blow to Europe. But one idea is for a declaration from all 25 countries, guaranteeing the European social model. That would counter the argument that France is threatened by Europe's liberal economic policies and competition from low-cost Eastern European economies.Is that a runner?Unlikely. The existing Nice Treaty allows for the expansion of the EU that took place last year and the day to day business of Brussels can carry on as at present, though without reforms to make decision-making more effective.Why do some want to continue with referendums in other countries?Technically, a tally should be taken after all countries have considered the constitution. If, at the end of the process, 20 out of 25 approve, then the EU heads of government will consider what to do next. However this provision was framed in the expectation a Eurosceptic country would say "no" - not that France would be the naysayer.Could the French be offered concessions to persuade them to vote 'yes' in a second vote?The constitution has already been ratified by nine countries so it cannot be changed in substance without starting from scratch.
Each can choose whether this is done by the national parliament or a popular vote. The constitution could still be ratified by the French parliament, perhaps after the next presidential election in 2007, if the next president is elected on a pro-constitution platform, but that would leave questions hanging over the legitimacy of the document. The alternatives are to have another vote or to abandon the text, at least for the time being. If the Dutch also vote "no" on Wednesday, the second option is the more likely.Would the lack of a constitution stop the EU working?No. "I hear the irritation out there over price rises after the introduction of the euro," he said. "But is that a question of the euro or of caf?wners who abused the situation to carry out a price increase?".
Does the French 'no' kill the EU constitution? Does the French 'no' kill the EU constitution? To come into force the constitution must be ratified by all 25 member countries. The Netherlands, one of the EU's founder members and the nation where the Maastricht Treaty was signed, is poised to reject the European constitution in a referendum on Wednesday, opinion polls indicate. Weekend voter surveys showed the "no" camp well ahead although the gap between the two sides appears to be narrowing slightly. There were fears that the French "no" vote could kill off any lingering hopes of securing a "yes" "We Dutch must make up our own minds, just as we've always done and will continue to do," said Ben Bot, the Foreign Minister. Sarkozy retorted, in effect, "what is so great about a social model which produces 10 per cent unemployment and high levels of illiteracy and poverty?" This may be a reasonable question but it handed ammunition to the left-wing nonistes.
