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31/05/2005
De Villepin appointed new French Prime Minister
In the wake of the failed EU Constitution referendum in France former Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin has been appointed as the country’s new Prime Minister.
Jean-Pierre Raffarin announced his resignation to President Jacques Chirac, following the devastating result of the country’s vote on the government-backed EU constitution at the weekend.
Almost 55% of the French public voted against the proposed constitution, although Mr Chirac’s government had campaigned strongly for a ‘Yes’ vote. Mr Chirac was expected to make changes to the Cabinet following the result.
Mr Raffarin, who had been Prime Minister since 2002, had proven to be unpopular with the French people, due to a number of reforms made during his time in office, including changes to pensions, and was viewed as having a poor record on employment.
Mr de Villepin, 51, is a former foreign minister who is best known for his defence of France’s decision to oppose the US-led war in Iraq. According to reports, Mr de Villepin’s position in the Interior Ministry is expected to be filled by Nicolas Sarkozy, the leader of Mr Chirac’s ruling Union for Popular Movement party, who had held the post before.
The second referendum on the EU constitution will take place in the Netherlands tomorrow. The result is widely expected to be another ‘No’ vote.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was too early to decide if Britain would hold a referendum on the EU constitution. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons next week. Yesterday, he said that discussions would be held regarding the future of the constitution at a meeting of the European Council on June 16.
However, Shadow Foreign Secretary Dr Liam Fox said that the French vote had “done us all a favour”. He said: “This is not a blow for Europe, it is a real opportunity to think again. The French people decided to reject big government and greater centralisation in Brussels. They have shown how out of touch the European political elite are with ordinary voters. It is now time to shape a Europe in the interests of the prosperity of ordinary citizens rather than indulging in the grandiose schemes of out of touch EU bureaucrats.”
The EU constitution needs to be approved by all 25 member states in order to be introduced in November 2006 as planned.
(KMcA/SP)
Jean-Pierre Raffarin announced his resignation to President Jacques Chirac, following the devastating result of the country’s vote on the government-backed EU constitution at the weekend.
Almost 55% of the French public voted against the proposed constitution, although Mr Chirac’s government had campaigned strongly for a ‘Yes’ vote. Mr Chirac was expected to make changes to the Cabinet following the result.
Mr Raffarin, who had been Prime Minister since 2002, had proven to be unpopular with the French people, due to a number of reforms made during his time in office, including changes to pensions, and was viewed as having a poor record on employment.
Mr de Villepin, 51, is a former foreign minister who is best known for his defence of France’s decision to oppose the US-led war in Iraq. According to reports, Mr de Villepin’s position in the Interior Ministry is expected to be filled by Nicolas Sarkozy, the leader of Mr Chirac’s ruling Union for Popular Movement party, who had held the post before.
The second referendum on the EU constitution will take place in the Netherlands tomorrow. The result is widely expected to be another ‘No’ vote.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was too early to decide if Britain would hold a referendum on the EU constitution. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons next week. Yesterday, he said that discussions would be held regarding the future of the constitution at a meeting of the European Council on June 16.
However, Shadow Foreign Secretary Dr Liam Fox said that the French vote had “done us all a favour”. He said: “This is not a blow for Europe, it is a real opportunity to think again. The French people decided to reject big government and greater centralisation in Brussels. They have shown how out of touch the European political elite are with ordinary voters. It is now time to shape a Europe in the interests of the prosperity of ordinary citizens rather than indulging in the grandiose schemes of out of touch EU bureaucrats.”
The EU constitution needs to be approved by all 25 member states in order to be introduced in November 2006 as planned.
(KMcA/SP)
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01 June 2005
Dutch vote on EU constitution
Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls today to vote on the EU constitution amid speculation that the result will be a ‘No’ vote.
Dutch vote on EU constitution
Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls today to vote on the EU constitution amid speculation that the result will be a ‘No’ vote.
30 May 2005
No decision on EU referendum in Britain
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said it is too early to decide if Britain will hold a referendum on the proposed European constitution, following France’s rejection of the treaty in a weekend vote.
No decision on EU referendum in Britain
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said it is too early to decide if Britain will hold a referendum on the proposed European constitution, following France’s rejection of the treaty in a weekend vote.
27 May 2005
Chirac makes final plea for referendum support
French President Jacques Chirac has made a final plea for a ‘yes’ vote ahead of Sunday’s referendum on the EU constitution. However, the latest poll shows over 50% of the French plan to vote ‘no’ in the referendum. “It is about our future, that of your children, of the future of France and the future of Europe,” said Mr Chirac.
Chirac makes final plea for referendum support
French President Jacques Chirac has made a final plea for a ‘yes’ vote ahead of Sunday’s referendum on the EU constitution. However, the latest poll shows over 50% of the French plan to vote ‘no’ in the referendum. “It is about our future, that of your children, of the future of France and the future of Europe,” said Mr Chirac.
13 June 2005
Blair to remain “firm” EU rebate
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he will be “diplomatic but firm” with European leaders over the issue of the UK’s European Union rebate. The Prime Minister, who was in Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was speaking ahead of the forthcoming European summit, which takes place in Brussels on June 16 and 17.
Blair to remain “firm” EU rebate
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he will be “diplomatic but firm” with European leaders over the issue of the UK’s European Union rebate. The Prime Minister, who was in Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was speaking ahead of the forthcoming European summit, which takes place in Brussels on June 16 and 17.
05 August 2003
Blair accused of 'cronyism' over CPS appointment
The Tories have today slammed the appointment of new Crown Prosecution Service as further evidence of "cronyism" within the government.
Blair accused of 'cronyism' over CPS appointment
The Tories have today slammed the appointment of new Crown Prosecution Service as further evidence of "cronyism" within the government.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
