NON

According to exit polls, it looks like France has rejected the EU Constitution.

From AFP:

"Europe is the future. If we want to be strong enough to face up to the United States, we have to vote for Europe. We've got the euro, now we need to coordinate the rest," said treaty supporter Rachel Allouche outside a Paris polling station.


...The French president, who has staked his prestige on approval of the treaty, warned voters that a French "no" would diminish the country's influence in Europe, making it the "black sheep" of the continent.

Rejection of the treaty would have a profound political impact in France, tarnishing Chirac's record in the history books, prompting a government reshuffle and deepening the rift in the Socialist party.

...Should France reject the treaty, Chirac -- who celebrated his 10th year as president earlier this month -- would be unlikely to seek a third term in office in 2007, opening the door to his arch-rival, UMP leader Nicolas Sarkozy.

Chirac has however ruled out his resignation should the "no" camp prevail.

If the exit polls are correct, the French have snubbed Chirac. Although he has ruled out resigning, refusing to retreat, he has been defeated.

Europe is the future?

Dream on.


With about 83 percent of the votes counted, the referendum was rejected by 57.26 percent of voters, the Interior Ministry said. The treaty was supported by 42.74 percent, the ministry said.