By Brian Johnson - 28th February 2005
French President Jacques Chirac is set to announce the date of France's referendum on the EU constitution and launch a national campaign to secure a “oui” vote.
A special joint session by both houses of the French parliament is meeting Monday afternoon to approve changes to the country's constitution paving the way for the poll expected in May or June.
Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin is expected to address the country on national television Monday evening, urging citizens to vote yes.
Leader of the French socialist party Francois Hollande has called for a campaign of "at least two months", citing the low turnout in the Spanish referendum and the lack of knowledge generally about the constitution.
And protests against economic and social reforms implemented by Chirac’s UMP party could see a backlash against the treaty vote.
National strikes called in protest against the ending of France’s 35 hour week and the scandal and shock resignation of finance minister Hervé Gaymard, may turn the referendum into a vote of confidence in Chirac’s government.
Chirac was reported by the French press as saying that a no vote would be "stupid".
Addressing a "non" campaigner over the weekend, Chirac said, "if you want to shoot yourself in the foot, do it, but don't protest afterwards".
He said that France would be unable to support the interests of French farmers if the country said "non".
And Chirac’s uncompromising stance, in support of Turkish EU membership may also play into the hands of the no camp.
According to the latest opinion poll support for the constitution stands at 60 per cent in France, but ministers are fear that this support could significantly drop.
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