Geen referendum in Duitsland (en)

There will be no referendum on the European Constitution in the largest EU country, Germany.

A big majority in the German Parliament of Socialists (SPD), Christian Democrats (CDU) and Green MPs today (6 November) turned down a proposal from the liberal party, the FDP to hold a referendum on the European Constitution.

Only the PDS-party supported the Liberals motion.

Gerald Häfner, of the grass roots organisation 'Mehr Demokratie' said the German Bundestag had lost a historical chance.

"Citizens have been deprived the right to have a say on the future European Constitution. It is a blow to the German citizens and to Europe", he said.

The German organisation, however, does not intend to give up the fight.

"Europe needs the support and the participation of the citizens. The pressure is growing and the Bundestag must act, if Germany is not to act as a break on an upcoming Europe of citizens".

Currently, six countries are set to have a referendum on the Constitution: these are Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Czech Republic.