By Anne-France White - 23rd February 2007
French presidential hopeful Nicolas Sarkozy has said he wants a simplified EU constitution.
Addressing 6000 supporters at a speech in Strasbourg, Sarkozy reiterated his view that what the EU needs is a shortened version of the treaty salvaging some of the elements on institutional reform while ditching other, more contentious clauses on policy and values.
And in a new twist, he added that he would like the new treaty to be ratified by the French parliament this summer.
Sarkozy said he is convinced that a broad majority of Europeans would support a simplified version of the treaty.
He also voiced harsh criticism of the EU in his speech.
“It is not the French and Dutch referendums which have triggered Europe’s crisis, it is Europe’s crisis which has caused the rejection of the constitution,” he argued.
It is unclear, however, to what extent Sarkozy has agreed on this with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The German government, which currently holds the EU presidency, has spoken out against a “mini” treaty and is pushing for the adoption of the full constitutional text.
But after talks with Merkel in Berlin on 12 February, Sarkozy claimed that his idea is now raising the chancellor’s interest.
"Of course we understand that given the European as well as German responsibilities that she has, Ms Merkel cannot go public with all of her thinking," he said according to media reports.
"But I believe that there is a big understanding, a big comprehension, and that the idea of a simplified treaty is an idea which at least raises a lot of interest."
Sarkozy has been arguing for a pared-down treaty for several months, arguing that it would provide a way out for France and the Netherlands without humiliating the countries which have already ratified the treaty.
During his speech in Strasbourg, the presidential candidate also lashed out against the Madrid meeting in January of the 18 countries which have ratified the constitution.
“I must express my sadness over the Madrid meeting where, for the first time since 1945, eighteen European countries convened to discuss the future of Europe without France,” he said.
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