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(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The European Constitution could be rejected in France, according to a poll by Ifop released by Wanadoo. 54 per cent of respondents will vote against the proposed body of law in this month's referendum, a two per cent increase since early May.

A team headed by former French president Valery Giscard d'Estaing developed the European Constitution, which calls for the creation of an European Union (EU) president and foreign minister, as well as a reduction in the number of European commissioners. The document also seeks to simplify overlapping treaties and protocols, enhance decision-making within the EU, and enable a sense of belonging among continental citizens. EU heads of state officially signed the European Constitution on Oct. 29, 2004.

A nationwide referendum on the European Constitution has been scheduled for May 29. France and seven other member states will hold plebiscites to ratify the document, while the remaining countries will leave the decision to their respective legislative branches. Eight nations have already endorsed the constitution.

The governing centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and the centre-left Socialist Party (PS) are both in favour of the European Constitution. The Communist Party (PC) and the right-wing National Front (FN) have rejected the proposed body of law.

The constitution requires ratification from all member states to come into effect in November 2006. Last week, current UMP president and former finance minister Nicolas Sarkozy asked voters to support the treaty, saying, "The Europe that we want also compels us to change France. One cannot wish something for Europe and do the inverse for France."

Polling Data

If the referendum on the European Constitution took place this Sunday, how would you vote?
(Decided Voters Only)

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