Hi everybody!
This a thread to announce French Referendum results as they come and to discuss them. Please join in with your results, commentary, and media discussions.
For those of you that are not familiar with the subject, I have posted below the fold links to my previous diaries on the topic in recent weeks, with the story of the campaign and explanations of what’s at stake.
Update [2005-5-29 13:4:44 by Jerome a Paris]: Results announced – it’s above 55% for the “non”
Update [2005-5-29 15:27:29 by Jerome a Paris]: Exit poll say that the “oui” was about Europe, whereas the “non” was mostly about domestic issues. What is clear is that neither Chirac nor any government that he can set up in the near future will have any legitimacy and will not be in any position to renegotiate anything in Europe, nor to start any domestic reforms, even with Sarkozy as Prime Minister. France is effectively paralysed until the next elections (and along with it, Europe), due only in 2 years, unless Chirac agrees to early elections (which is highly unlikely). Once France has a new government (after the elections), the most likely scenario is still that this Constitution will be proposed to French voters again. Expect pressure for other governments to keep on the ratification process. (Apologies if I’m not around to react to your further comments. Off to sleep.)
Previous diaries:
EU Constitution – France Votes (VII). It’s tomorrow. My bet.
EU Constitution – France Votes (VI). One week to go
France Votes (V). 10 years of Chirac and the French model
Votes on EU Constitution (IV). Democracy in Action.
EU Constitution – France Votes. (Diary III). What if it’s No?
European Constitution – France votes soon. Diary II
France Votes on EU Constitution (I)
See also Welshman’s Jerome a Paris is killing me softly with his words diary, where many of these issues were also discussed, as well as the diary today by FrenchSocialist over at dkos: I just voted NO in France – defense of the NO vote, which is the ONLY PROGRESSIVE VOTE where a lot of discussion has been going on.