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01/06/2005
Dutch vote on EU constitution
Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls today to vote on the EU constitution amid speculation that the result will be a ‘No’ vote.
Opinion polls have predicted that 60% of Dutch voters are likely to reject the constitution, which could prove to be a devastating blow for the treaty, coming just days after the French vote delivered a ‘No’ result.
The results of the vote in the Netherlands is non-binding but Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has agreed to accept it. Last night, he made a last-minute plea to voters to vote in favour of the constitution.
However, it has been reported that many Dutch people are unhappy with price rises which have occurred since the euro was introduced and are also wary of the interference of a Brussels ‘super state’, which could affect the more liberal policies the Netherlands has on areas such as euthanasia, prostitution and marijuana use. Other voters are reported to be unhappy with the possible inclusion of Turkey in the EU.
The ‘No’ vote in France was a blow to French president Jacques Chirac. Yesterday, it was announced that unpopular Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin would be replaced by Dominique de Villepin, following the vote in which 55% of French voters rejected the treaty. However, it is not thought that any resignations would result from a ‘No’ result in the Dutch referendum.
The EU constitution needs to be ratified by all 25 EU member states before it can be introduced. Nine countries have ratified the treaty so far – Austria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia through votes by their respective parliaments and Spain via referendum.
Britain has yet to decide on whether a referendum will be held on the EU constitution following the rejection of the treaty by the French. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was too early to decide on a referendum.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons next week.
(KMcA/GB)
Opinion polls have predicted that 60% of Dutch voters are likely to reject the constitution, which could prove to be a devastating blow for the treaty, coming just days after the French vote delivered a ‘No’ result.
The results of the vote in the Netherlands is non-binding but Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has agreed to accept it. Last night, he made a last-minute plea to voters to vote in favour of the constitution.
However, it has been reported that many Dutch people are unhappy with price rises which have occurred since the euro was introduced and are also wary of the interference of a Brussels ‘super state’, which could affect the more liberal policies the Netherlands has on areas such as euthanasia, prostitution and marijuana use. Other voters are reported to be unhappy with the possible inclusion of Turkey in the EU.
The ‘No’ vote in France was a blow to French president Jacques Chirac. Yesterday, it was announced that unpopular Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin would be replaced by Dominique de Villepin, following the vote in which 55% of French voters rejected the treaty. However, it is not thought that any resignations would result from a ‘No’ result in the Dutch referendum.
The EU constitution needs to be ratified by all 25 EU member states before it can be introduced. Nine countries have ratified the treaty so far – Austria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia through votes by their respective parliaments and Spain via referendum.
Britain has yet to decide on whether a referendum will be held on the EU constitution following the rejection of the treaty by the French. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was too early to decide on a referendum.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons next week.
(KMcA/GB)
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30 May 2005
No decision on EU referendum in Britain
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said it is too early to decide if Britain will hold a referendum on the proposed European constitution, following France’s rejection of the treaty in a weekend vote.
No decision on EU referendum in Britain
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said it is too early to decide if Britain will hold a referendum on the proposed European constitution, following France’s rejection of the treaty in a weekend vote.
27 May 2005
Chirac makes final plea for referendum support
French President Jacques Chirac has made a final plea for a ‘yes’ vote ahead of Sunday’s referendum on the EU constitution. However, the latest poll shows over 50% of the French plan to vote ‘no’ in the referendum. “It is about our future, that of your children, of the future of France and the future of Europe,” said Mr Chirac.
Chirac makes final plea for referendum support
French President Jacques Chirac has made a final plea for a ‘yes’ vote ahead of Sunday’s referendum on the EU constitution. However, the latest poll shows over 50% of the French plan to vote ‘no’ in the referendum. “It is about our future, that of your children, of the future of France and the future of Europe,” said Mr Chirac.
31 May 2005
De Villepin appointed new French Prime Minister
In the wake of the failed EU Constitution referendum in France former Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin has been appointed as the country’s new Prime Minister.
De Villepin appointed new French Prime Minister
In the wake of the failed EU Constitution referendum in France former Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin has been appointed as the country’s new Prime Minister.
02 June 2005
Dutch reject EU constitution
Dutch voters have rejected the EU constitution, the second defeat for the proposed treaty in a week. According to unofficial results, over 60% of voters in the Netherlands referendum voted against the constitution. The result follows the devastating result in France at the weekend, when around 55% of the voters rejected the treaty.
Dutch reject EU constitution
Dutch voters have rejected the EU constitution, the second defeat for the proposed treaty in a week. According to unofficial results, over 60% of voters in the Netherlands referendum voted against the constitution. The result follows the devastating result in France at the weekend, when around 55% of the voters rejected the treaty.
25 October 2005
Iraqi people vote in new constitution
The people of Iraq have voted in favour of the new constitution, it has been announced. The results of the October 15 vote showed that 78% of voters backed the constitution, while 21% voted against it, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq announced. Voter turnout was 63%.
Iraqi people vote in new constitution
The people of Iraq have voted in favour of the new constitution, it has been announced. The results of the October 15 vote showed that 78% of voters backed the constitution, while 21% voted against it, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq announced. Voter turnout was 63%.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
