Referendumcampagne barst los in Frankrijk (en)

French leaders are set to launch the EU Constitution campaign this week, following a joint session of MPs and senators today (28 February) to hammer out a law paving the way for a referendum.

French law makers are expected to vote strongly in favour of amendments to the national constitution - necessary to make the EU Constitution legally binding in France.

A three-fifths majority of French legislators is needed to adopt the changes.

The ruling conservative UMP party, as well as the opposition Socialists, support the new EU treaty with only minority opposition among them.

After the vote, Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin is expected to go on national television to kick off the campaign and urge French voters to say 'yes' to the treaty.

President Jacques Chirac is expected to announce the date of the referendum to be held "before the summer", probably in May or June.

The government is considering bringing foward the date as polls suggest a gradual fall in support for the EU charter.

On top of this, voters could use their vote to censure the government.

The cabinet is facing severe criticism due to the scandal around finance minister Hervé Gaymard, which lead to his resignation.

The ex-minister was revealed to have been living in a luxury apartment in Paris at taxpayers' expense, and this even though he had spoken about the needs to cut down budgetary spending.

Turkey's EU membership is also a matter of discontent and is likely to be used by the No-campaign on the Constitution.

This is likely to be coupled with fears that reforms of the Commom agriculture policy, could harm the interests of French farmers.

Before it comes into force, the new treaty must be ratified by all 25 member states.