Chirac kan zich niet voorstellen dat 'nee' meerderheid krijgt (en)

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - French President Jacques Chirac has said he cannot imagine that France will reject the European Constitution in its referendum at the end of May.

Speaking after a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Wednesday (23 March), the French President also said that he did not think any of the EU leaders gathered for the summit really believed such an eventuality either.

Recently, two consecutive polls have shown that a majority of French citizens would vote against the Constitution, demonstrating a shift in public opinion ahead of the 29 May referendum.

However, asked whether he felt the other EU leaders had shown support for France on the matter, Mr Chirac said, "I do not think any of them actually imagine France could reject the Constitution".

He went on to warn of the consequences of a no vote.

"It is certain that if France blocked the European project... it would lose a large share of its authority, which is necessary, in the Europe of tomorrow".

A referendum is a 'democratic approach'

Mr Chirac said he had chosen to have a referendum on the Constitution out of respect for French citizens and traditions.

To ratify a treaty in France, the President can choose between a referendum and a vote by the Parliament. However, the country has a strong tradition of holding referendums.

"A referendum as such is a democratic approach", Mr Chirac said.

According to him, all choices must be respected, including abstention, if they are well considered.

Nevertheless, he said he had his own conviction and he would try to explain it to French citizens in the best way.

"I am convinced that this Treaty (the Constitution) is a step forward in terms of economic, social and foreign policy", he said adding that France has "nothing to lose and everything to win" with the document.

He will address the French on the referendum "when the time comes".

The French president also said he was happy with the agreement reached on the controversial services directive.

Member states agreed that while the EU supports a complete opening of the market in services, the European "social model" must be protected.

And, although he denied that there was a link between the directive and the Constitution - as opponents of the Constitution have suggested, he said, "if there is one, it is positive".

The Constitution, he explained, "will increase by a large amount social demands and social guarantees".