Kansen op Duits referendum over EU-grondwet slinken (en)

The chances of Germany having a referendum on the EU Constitution have been reduced following reported comments by leader of the Christian Democrat opposition Angela Merkel.

Mrs Merkel has rejected moves by the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) to introduce more direct democracy and a referendum on the European Constitution, report German media.

According to the head of the SPD Franz Müntefering, Mrs Merkel said that she is not prepared to take up the opportunity for the two parties to have specific discussions on direct democracy.

Mrs Merkel made her position and that of her Christian Democrat party clear in a short letter to Mr Münterfering, who said that he found it a "shame".

"If nothing more happens, then it will be clear that this law will not be able to see the light of day in time for the passing of the European Constitution [through parliament]", said Mr Münterfering.

"We definitely want to pass the European Constitution at the beginning of next year", continued the SPD chief.

The Social Democrats were pushing to introduce legislation which could pave the way for a referendum on the European Constiution - and manage to wrongfoot the conservative opposition which is split on the matter.

In Germany, referenda at the federal level are banned for historical reasons.

For the European Constitution to go into force, it has to be ratified by all 25 member states either via national parliaments or by refererendum.