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June 05, 2005

Malta Columnist Sees 'Confusion And Turmoil in Europe'

Commentary on French and Dutch voters' rejection of the European Constitution on May 29 and June 1, 2005 respectively continues to be offered in publications around the world as commentators try to understand the meaning behind the 'No" votes. Anthony Manduca of The Sunday Times of Malta provides an interesting perspective in the June 5, 2005 issue of the publication. Among other things, he said, Jacque Chirac's unpopularity is certainly not the only reason why the French rejected this treaty." He noted that:

There was a large left-wing movement against its ratification. The Socialist Party was split over its support for the Constitution and the Communist Party was opposed.
The Left considered the treaty to be far too economically liberal or "Anglo-Saxon", as the French like to call it. There was a genuine fear about the effects on France of increased competition - such as the European Commission's proposal to open up the services sector in Europe - and this was wrongly confused with the European Constitution and EU enlargement.
Mr. Manduca also said:"The No vote in the Netherlands, which was even larger than the French rejection, was more to do with Dutch fears over the treaty and the future of Europe than an expression of anti-government feeling, even though Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende is not particularly popular at this point in time.

"It is also clear that the Yes camp was caught off guard by the strength and strategy of the No bloc and that it ran a weak campaign," he added. "Here again, the Netherlands did not have to hold a referendum and the government's decision to hold one - it obviously expected to win - once again shows the huge gulf between politicians and citizens." See "Confusion and turmoil in Europe" for more Mr. Manduca's informed opinion.

Posted by Munir Umrani at June 5, 2005 07:09 AM

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