France says ‘non’ to EU

France has rejected the EU constitution with a 55 per cent ‘non’ vote after a high-turnout referendum on Sunday.

French President Jacques Chirac has conceded defeat with exit polls showing 54.86 per cent had voted no to a new EU treaty.

The 'oui' camp mustered 44.14 per cent in a vote with a high 70 per cent turnout - making the defeat a major setback for the Elysee.

Chirac told French citizens he had “taken note” of the referendum ‘non’ but stressed the result could isolate France.

“France has expressed itself democratically. It's your sovereign decision, and I have taken note,” he said.

“I will continue to defend the position of our country, taking into account the message of the French people.”

“Make no mistake, France's decision inevitably creates a difficult context for the defence of our interests in Europe.”

The defeat for Chirac is set to trigger an Elysée reshuffle and the expected political demise of the French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

Other EU members states will also be watching Paris to see if Chirac gives a quick, clear signal of how to proceed on the future of the EU constitution.

“I plan to respond by giving a strong new impulsion to the action of the government,” he said.

“I will inform you in the very next days of my decisions concerning the government and its priorities.”

The French president will "defend the positions of our country, while taking account of the message of the French men and women" at an EU summit on June 16.

If France says that 'non' means a final no to the constitution EU leaders must decide how to go forward.

"The process of ratification is in progress across all the countries of the Union. Nine countries have already chosen the 'Yes'," Chirac said.

"Our other partners will in turn make their choice. Between now and then, the EU will continue to function on the basis of the current treaties."

• Previous article
• Next article