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So, all eyes are focused on Paris. The first effect of the first referendum on the European Constitutional Treaty to be called north of the Alps was that of placing France at the centre of the continent: in the other 24 member states of the EU, and not only there, the outcome of the referendum on 29 May is eagerly awaited to know whether the process of ratifying the Constitution can proceed more rapidly, or whether it will already come to grief at this first hurdle. Any “no” by the French would influence the Dutch, who are called to the ballot box three days later. It would also fuel euro-scepticism in Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden and the former Communist countries that only joined the Union a year ago. The other side of the coin of this feared referendum (the opinion polls alternate between positive and negative predictions of the outcome, with a slight advantage enjoyed by the “no” camp in recent days) is a re-found political fervour throughout the country. There is no newspaper or TV station that has not, since late March, been devoting ample coverage to the event every day. The debates are inflaming public opinion; the supporters of the “yes” vote insist on the great results of half a century of European integration (peace, democracy, development), which will be reinforced, in their view, by the entry into force of the new Constitution. In the opposite camp, the proponents of the “no” vote allege France’s economic recession, growing unemployment, and loss of purchasing power, in a Europe that is “too enlarged”. The referendum is being passionately debated in bars and on trains, in public offices and in homes. Everyone is intervening: the parties (that show cross-party divides), trades unions, businessmen. The views expressed by university professors and showbusiness personalities are the most frequently heard in the media. The French bishops have authoritatively made their voice heard (explaining the need to give a noble identity and values to the Union). Their position has been followed by numerous pronouncements from the Catholic world, including that of the executive of the Semaines sociales in France (important mouthpiece of the French Catholic laity), which has reaffirmed its own support for the Treaty. Naturally it is justifiable to wonder how many citizens and electors will go to vote with any extensive knowledge of the Text of the Constitution, with its preamble and 448 articles. On the other hand, it should be pointed out that the referendum has gradually assumed wider connotations, transcending the specific content of the Treaty: in short, on 29 May our French “cousins” seem called to say yes or no, not just to the Constitution, but to a reinforced and decisive process leading to European unity. It’s a vote charged with a “continental responsibility” that stimulates the proverbial French pride.
